Abstract: Provided is a GaN series semiconductor element, which is capable of obtaining an adequate normally-off characteristic, and a manufacturing method thereof. In a GaN series semiconductor element that comprises an operating layer comprising a GaN series compound semiconductor, a gate insulating film that is formed on the operating layer, and a gate electrode that is formed on the gate insulating film, the gate insulating is a SiO2 film of which an infrared absorption peak that corresponds to the vibration energy of a Si—H bond does not appear in the absorption spectrum of transmitted light that is obtained by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy method. This kind of SiO2 film is a high-quality SiO2 film in which the occurrence of Si—H bonds and dangling bonds is suppressed. With this kind of construction, adverse effects on the control of the threshold value of the GaN series semiconductor element are also suppressed, so an adequate normally-off characteristic is obtained.

Abstract: A position detecting devices includes a scale, a sensor, and a control section. The scale has a plurality of light emitting elements located at spacings along a direction in which a movable member is moved. Mounted on the member, the sensor detects light from at least one of the elements within a predetermined detection range longer than a largest one of the spacings, and outputs a light reception signal according to a position where the light is received within the range. Upon receipt of the signal, the control section retrieves from the storage section information on a located position of one of the light emitting elements that is being driven, and calculates a position of the member based on the retrieved information and the received signal.

Abstract: To provide an inexpensive hot-water supply system that allows a user to readily select a desired unit for a physical quantity indicated on a display section of a remote controller. A bathroom-installed remote controller 4 is provided with a indication unit switching device that switches the units of hot-water temperature and hot-water amount represented by data transmitted from a water heater and indicated on a display section 20 between Fahrenheit/gallon (shown in FIG. 3(a)) and Celsius/liter (shown in FIG. 3(b)) depending on the presence or absence of long press of an operational switch 32 while the water heater is in a stand-by state.

Abstract: A position detecting devices includes a scale, a sensor, and a control section. The scale has a plurality of light emitting elements located at spacings along a direction in which a movable member is moved. Mounted on the member, the sensor detects light from at least one of the elements within a predetermined detection range longer than a largest one of the spacings, and outputs a light reception signal according to a position where the light is received within the range. The control section drives the elements individually, receives the signal from the sensor, and has a storage section for storing information on positions of the elements in the scale. Upon receipt of the signal, the control section retrieves from the storage section information on a located position of one of the light emitting elements that is being driven, and calculates a position of the member based on the retrieved information and the received signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a completely novel molting hormone receptor, which is used for efficiently screening a substance that can be applied to a disinfestant or the like. An insect molting hormone receptor comprising the following polypeptide (a) and polypeptide (b) or (c): (a) a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1; (b) a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; and (c) a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3.

Abstract: To provide an inexpensive hot-water supply system that allows a user to readily select a desired unit for a physical quantity indicated on a display section of a remote controller. A bathroom-installed remote controller 4 is provided with a indication unit switching device that switches the units of hot-water temperature and hot-water amount represented by data transmitted from a water heater and indicated on a display section 20 between Fahrenheit/gallon (shown in FIG. 3(a)) and Celsius/liter (shown in FIG. 3(b)) depending on the presence or absence of long press of an operational switch 32 while the water heater is in a stand-by state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a completely novel molting hormone receptor, which is used for efficiently screening a substance that can be applied to a disinfestant or the like. An insect molting hormone receptor comprising the following polypeptide (a) and polypeptide (b) or (c): (a) a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1; (b) a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; and (c) a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3.

Abstract: A ferrite composed of a polycrystalline ferrite which is obtained by sintering a ferrite starting powder by a discharge plasma technique is described. The ferrite starting powder is appropriately a coprecipitated ferrite powder. Prior to the sintering, the coprecipitated powder is preferably thermally treated or calcined at temperatures of not lower than 900.degree. C. A composite ferrite is also described, which is composed of the polycrystalline ferrite and a single crystal ferrite bonded together obtained by contacting the single crystal ferrite with the coprecipitated ferrite powder or embedding the single crystal ferrite in the powder, under which the polycrystalline ferrite powder is sintered by the discharge plasma sintering thereby bonding both ferrites together.

Abstract: A silicon nitride powder having an enhanced sintering activity is prepared by heating a mixture of a nitrogen-containing silane compound and a sintering aid in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.