Abstract: A generating unit generates second model-specific data defining a performance of a target machine based on first model-specific data. An irreversible unit realizes an irreversible state in which a transition is possible from a second state to a first state, but not from the first state to the second state. A setting unit sets a state of the irreversible unit based on a result of comparison between the first model-specific data with the second model specific data by a comparing unit. A performance determining unit determines the performance of the target machine based on the first model-specific data, the second model-specific data, and the state of the irreversible unit.

Abstract: An intranasally applicable powdery pharmaceutical composition comprising a polypeptide having a physiological activity, a quaternary ammonium compound, and a lower alkyl ether of cellulose. This powdery pharmaceutical composition has an excellent preservability and chemical stability of the polypeptides and, when the powdery composition is administered to the nasal cavity in the form of a spray, the polypeptides are effectively absorbed through the nasal mucosa.

Abstract: A magnetic head for recording and reproducing data, on and from a flexible magnetic disk, is supported by a support mechanism. The support mechanism is capable of rotating the head around the first axis extending in a radial direction of the disk, and applies a pressing force to the head. The head has leading and trailing edges. The head includes a flat surface opposing the disk and having a leading and trailing ends, and a midpoint between thereof. A second surface connects the trailing edge to the trailing end of the flat surface. The distance between the trailing edge and the disk is longer than the distance between the trailing end of the flat surface and the disk. Magnetic gaps are arranged on that portion of the flat surface which is located between the midpoint and the trailing end thereof. When the disk is rotated at a predetermined speed and the support mechanism applies a predetermined pressing force to the head, an air bearing force is generated and acts on the flat surface.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium in which a silicon nitride film is formed on a magnetic recording layer having an axis of easy magnetization in the direction essentially perpendicular to its own layer surface. The magnetic recording layer is a metallic magnetic film such as a Co-Cr containing alloy. The silicon nitride film is preferably in a state in which the number of nitrogen atoms is less than four thirds of the number of silicon atoms. A lubricant layer such as a layer of fluorocarbon can be formed on the silicon nitride film.

Abstract: A magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus, which performs at least one of the two functions of recording and reproducing by using a flexible magnetic recording medium with a magnetic recording layer of a thin metal film, and which has a magnetic head, a drive unit and a recording/reproducing circuit. The drive unit causes a relative movement between the magnetic head and the magnetic recording medium in accordance with recording/reproducing. The recording/reproducing apparatus is operated in accordance with the drive unit and inputs/outputs a recording/reproducing signal with respect to the magnetic head. The magnetic head is formed such that its surface contacting the magnetic recording medium has a radius of curvature of 40 to 100 mm. The speed of relative movement of the drive unit at least in the access mode is 1.5 to 5.0 m/s.

Abstract: What is provided by this invention is a powdery pharmaceutical composition for nasal administration comprising physiologically active polypeptide or its derivative such as calcitonin, insulin, etc. and a water-absorbing and water-insoluble base. The pharmaceutical composition allows polypeptide or its derivative to be efficiently absorbed through the nasal macous membrane when it is nasally administered.

Abstract: A novel method is disclosed which enables gallium and/or indium to be selectively separated and concentrated from a solution containing them in very low concentrations together with many other metal ions in rather high concentrations. The solution is passed through a bed of a chelating ion exchange resin having an amino carboxylic acid group either immediately or after the pH adjustment. Gallium and/or indium adsorbed on the chelate resin is desorbed by eluting with a mineral acid. The eluate, after the pH adjustment, is passed through another bed of a chelating ion exchange resin having an amino carboxylic acid group, and the resin is treated with a mineral acid to elute the metal ions adsorbed on the resin to thereby recover gallium and/or indium in the form of a concentrated solution.

Abstract: Laser irradiating apparatus equipped with a vertical shaft fixed on a power supply box, a first arm which slides up and down along the shaft and rotates around the shaft and a second arm which is pivoted at the first arm tip portion, and with a laser head installed on the second arm. In this apparatus, an articulated arm light guide is fixed on the upper side of the laser head tip portion. Variation of positions of the first and second arms provides a wide range for operation and much compactness of the apparatus when storing. In addition, the laser head is soundly installed on the second arm upper surface, which is useful to prevent any optical deviation.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for intrarectal administration comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of an active ingredient which when administered alone to the rectum, is substantially unabsorbable into the living body through the mucous membrane of the rectum, said composition further containing an absorption aid acting within the rectum in such a way as to induce absorption of said active ingredient through the rectal mucous membrane, said absorption aid being characterized by (1) being substantially nontoxic to living organisms, (2) containing in the molecule at least two hydrophilic groups selected from the class consisting of carboxyl groups, acidic hydroxyl groups, carboxyl groups in the form of pharmaceutically acceptable salts, acidic hydroxyl groups in the form of pharmaceutically acceptable salts, carboxyl groups in the form of amides and acidic hydroxyl groups in the form of esters, (3) containing in the molecule at least two lipophilic groups selected from the class consisting of groups of

Abstract: Apparatus for polishing metal electrolytic refining cathode plates, in which cathode plates are transported individually by means of a series of transferring and hanging devices, with the cathode plates thus transferred being polished in a polishing mechanism while moved vertically and while their dielectric frame supporters are protected so as not to be subjected to the polishing operation effected by the polishing mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is particularly directed to the structure and arrangement of the cathode holder which includes a tapered surface for producing an upturned edge portion on the metal which is deposited on the cathode plate to facilitate stripping of the metal from the plate. An enlarged portion of the holder permits engagement thereof to enable smooth pivotal motion of the holder relative to the plate so that the holder may be readily oriented with respect to the plate and, therefore, used repeatedly.