Abstract: A communication adapter connected to an indoor unit included in an air conditioner includes a communication unit, a determination unit, and a communication control unit. The communication unit communicates data to an air conditioning control apparatus that performs centralized control of a plurality of air conditioners. The determination unit determines whether or not transmission target data is communicated by using encryption communication. The communication control unit controls, when the transmission target data is communicated by using the encryption communication, the communication unit in order to communicate the transmission target data by using the encryption communication. Consequently, it is possible to decrease a laying cost of a dedicated communication cable and reduce a communication load needed for data communication related to the air conditioners in an existing communication network at the time of central control performed on the air conditioners.

Abstract: In order to provide a composition for treating, improving, or preventing pain, it has been found out that a metallothionein protein is expressed in a normal peripheral nerve, and that the expression is not observed in a peripheral nerve producing pain. Moreover, it has been found out that administering metallothionein to rats having neuropathic pain suppresses the pain in the rats.

Abstract: Disclosed is a peptide consisting of the identical amino acid sequence or a substantially identical amino acid sequence to the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:4, wherein the peptide binds to an HLA antigen and is recognized by cytotoxic T cells. The peptide of the present invention can be used in vivo or in vitro as an agent for inducing CTL, that is, cancer vaccine, and exerts therapeutic or ameliorating effects on tumors such as osteosarcoma, renal cancer, and others. The peptide of the present invention is also useful as a tumor marker directed to tumors such as sarcoma, renal cancer, and others.

Abstract: In order to provide a composition for treating, improving, or preventing pain, it has been found out that a metallothionein protein is expressed in a normal peripheral nerve, and that the expression is not observed in a peripheral nerve producing pain. Moreover, it has been found out that administering metallothionein to rats having neuropathic pain suppresses the pain in the rats.

Abstract: Disclosed is a peptide consisting of the identical amino acid sequence or a substantially identical amino acid sequence to the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:4, wherein the peptide binds to an HLA antigen and is recognized by cytotoxic T cells. The peptide of the present invention can be used in vivo or in vitro as an agent for inducing CTL, that is, cancer vaccine, and exerts therapeutic or ameliorating effects on tumors such as osteosarcoma, renal cancer, and others. The peptide of the present invention is also useful as a tumor marker directed to tumors such as sarcoma, renal cancer, and others.

Abstract: An inducer of cytotoxic T cells comprising as an active ingredient a protein which comprises the same or substantially the same amino acid sequence as that shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, or a peptide derived from the protein above is provided.

Abstract: An inducer of cytotoxic T cells comprising as an active ingredient a protein which comprises the same or substantially the same amino acid sequence as that shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, or a peptide derived from the protein above is provided.

Abstract: A taste improving agent for food and beverage containing potassium chloride that can effectively relieve unpleasant tastes, such as bitter taste and harsh taste, attributed to potassium chloride without detriment to the flavor of the food and beverage; a process for producing a food and beverage containing potassium chloride of high palatability having the bitter taste and harsh taste of potassium chloride suppressed; and a food and beverage containing potassium chloride produced by the production process. Use is made of a taste improving agent comprising a basic amino acid and/or a basic peptide as an active ingredient. It is preferred that the basic amino acid be at least one member selected from among histidine, arginine and lysine and the basic peptide at least one member selected from among anserine, carnosine and balenine. This taste improving agent is added to a food and beverage containing potassium chloride, thereby obtaining a food and beverage containing potassium chloride with improved taste.

Abstract: An inducer of cytotoxic T cells comprising as an active ingredient a protein which comprises the same or substantially the same amino acid sequence as that shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, or a peptide derived from the protein above is provided.