Abstract: A microorganism wherein one or more genes selected from the group of genes participating in sporulation in the middle to late stages of sporulation have been deleted or inactivated; and a process for producing a target product (a protein) by use the microorganism. No spore is formed when this microorganism is employed, thereby enabling production of a target product (a protein) while decreasing energy loss, production of a by-product and specific production speed to decrease unnecessary consumption of a medium. Moreover, the production period can be prolonged, whereby the target product (the protein) can be produced efficiently.

Abstract: Provided in the present invention are an alkaline cellulase variant obtained by using a cellulase having an amino acid sequence exhibiting at least 90% homology with the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ. ID NO:1 and substituting the amino acid residue of the cellullase at (a) position 10, (b) position 16, (c) position 22, (d) position 33, (e) position 39, (f) position 76, (g) position 109, (h) position 242, (i) position 263, (j) position 308, (k) position 462, (l) position 466, (m) position 468, (n) position 552, (o) position 564, or (p) position 608 in SEQ. ID NO:1, or at a position corresponding thereto with another amino acid residue; a gene encoding the variant; a vector containing the gene; a transformant containing the vector; and a detergent composition containing the alkaline cellulase variant.

Abstract: A three-electrode type electroluminescent lamp has a transparent electrode connected to a rear side lead conductor, and an electroluminescent body sandwiched between the transplant electrode and the backing electrode. A third plate-like electrode is laid over the backing electrode in an electrical insulation relation with the backing electrode, and a third lead conductor is formed of an integral extension of the third electrode. The integral extension of the third electrode extends outwardly from an edge of the third electrode near to the edge region of the transparent electrode connected to the base end portion of the first lead conductor, so as to avoid the edge region of the transparent electrode on which the base end portion of the first lead conductor is laid and also to extend along the first lead conductor excluding the base end portion. A printed-wiring board having a plurality of printed wirings is mounted on the electroluminescent lamp.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing discharge of fuel vapor to the atmosphere by allowing fuel vapor in a fuel tank to be adsorbed by an adsorbing device when a fuel lid is opened. A switch is turned on by the movement of a locking member for locking and unlocking the fuel lid so as to detect the opening of the fuel lid. The arrangement facilitates adjustment of the relative positions of the switch and the locking member. In addition, the switch is turned on when the fuel lid is opened by remote control, while the switch is turned off when the fuel lid is manually closed. The discharge of fuel vapor to the atmosphere during refueling and the influx of fuel vapor into the adsorbing device after the charging of fuel are prevented.

Abstract: Provided is an abnormality determination device for a vehicle speed sensor which can prevent a memory unit from storing the erroneous result of abnormality determination of a vehicle speed sensor due to the engine racing when the vehicle is stationary. The device of the invention includes a revolution speed sensor for detecting a revolution speed of an output shaft of an automatic transmission and generating a speed signal, abnormality determination elements for inputting the speed signal of the revolution speed sensor and for determining if the revolution speed sensor is abnormal and for generating an abnormality signal in response to the determined result, a memory for storing the abnormality signal, and halt elements for preventing the memory from storing the abnormality signal when the automatic transmission is set at a neutral position or at a parking position.