Abstract: According to the present invention, there are provided hepatic parenchymal cell growth factor obtained by recombinant DNA technology, a gene coding for the factor, an expression vector capable of expressing the gene, a cell, in particular animal cell, transformed with the expression vector, and a process for producing the hepatic parenchymal cell growth factor.

Abstract: A gene encoding a protease derived from human serum and having an activity to convert single-chain hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) into active two-chain HGF and a method of producing the protease by the use of said gene are provided. A method of producing a precursor protein of said protease is also provided.

Abstract: A two-wire transmitter having a detecting section for detecting a physical variable to be measured to produce a detection output, first and second constant voltage devices connected in series with a two-wire transmission path, a signal processor driven by a voltage supplied by the first constant voltage device for converting the detection output into representative serial pulse signals and a switching circuit which is connected in parallel with the second constant voltage device and is turned on and off by the serial pulse signals to produce corresponding output signals from the transmitter on the two-wire transmission path by utilizing a current flowing in the two-wire transmission path while enabling the transmitter to connect in a single loop with another two-wire transmitter.