Abstract: A novel megakaryocyte differentiation factor, for example, consisting essentially of SEQ ID NO: 30; DNA coding for the megakaryocyte differentiation factor, an expression vector comprising the DNA, a host transformed with the expression vector, and a process for production of the megakaryocyte differentiation factor using the host. The megakaryocyte differentiation factor accelerates differentiation of megakaryocytes in the presence of IL-3, and acts as a thrombopoietin, and therefore an effective medicament to various diseases involving a decrease in platelete.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel megakaryocyte differentiation factors, which are useful as therapeutic agents due to their accelerating effects on the differentiation of megakaryocytes and their thrombopoietic effects. The megakaryocyte differentiation factors of the present invention include the megakaryocyte differentiation factor having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 34. The present invention also provides DNA coding for the megakaryocyte differentiation factors of the present invention, expression vectors containing the DNA, hosts transformed with the expression vectors, and processes for production of the megakaryocyte differentiation factors using transformed hosts. The present invention further provides specific antibodies to the megakaryocyte differentiation factors of the present invention.

Abstract: The L and H chains of the human anti-HBs antibody can be produced by the genetic recombination techniques to provide the desired human anti-HBs antibody easily on a large scale. The invention relates to nucleotide base sequences coding for the respective polypeptides that constitute the L and H chains of the anti-HBs antibody, expression plasmids containing them, and transformants prepared by transformation with the expression plasmids.

Abstract: A pulse generating element formed of a switchable magnetic wire is worked so as to have an arcuate shape such that the ratio R/d between the radius of curvature R and diameter d of the wire in a state free from external force ranges from 65 to 95. This is achieved by subjecting a wire of a ferromagnetic material, such as Fe--Co--V, to drawing-bending work. The pulse generating element, which is obtained by cutting the switchable magnetic wire to a predetermined length, is restricted to a substantially straight state by a retaining member, and undergoes a drastic flux reversal when it is subjected to an alternating field.

Abstract: An object to be checked contains a large number of magnetic polymer elements scattered at random. Each of magnetic polymer elements is made up of an element main body formed of a high molecular material, and magnetic metal powder contained in the element main body. The magnetic polymer elements are integrally incorporated in paper and tangled with the wood pulp fibers of the paper three-dimensionally. In the manufacturing process of the object, a processing apparatus magnetically scans the magnetic polymer elements incorporated in the scanning region of the object while moving the scanning region at a predetermined speed, converts a detection signal obtained by the magnetic scan into a cipher code, and records the cipher code in a code indicator section. In the authenticity checking process, the processing apparatus magnetically scans the magnetic polymer elements once again, and a detection signal obtained thereby is collated with the cipher code recorded in the code indicator section.

Abstract: A number of bistable magnetic devices are dispersed in a scanning region of a checking object. Each bistable magnetic device is formed of a nonmagnetic material which undergoes a drastic flux reversal attributable to the Large Barkhausen effect when subjected in succession to first and second external magnetic fields of opposite directions. A processing apparatus comprises magnetic generators for generating magnetic fields of opposite directions, a transportation mechanism for moving the checking object at constant speed, and a coil for detecting magnetic pulses, which are generated as the bistable magnetic devices are subjected to the flux reversal, as changes of electromagnetic induction voltage. A detection signal for the scanning region detected by the apparatus is converted into a cipher code and then recorded in a code indicator section of the checking object.

Abstract: A number of bistable magnetic devices are dispersed in a scanning region of a checking object. Each bistable magnetic device is formed of a nonmagnetic material which undergoes a drastic flux reversal attributable to the Large Barkhausen effect when subjected in succession to first and second external magnetic fields of opposite directions. A processing apparatus comprises magnetic generators for generating magnetic fields of opposite directions, a transportation mechanism for moving the checking object at constant speed, and a coil for detecting magnetic pulses, which are generated as the bistable magnetic devices are subjected to the flux reversal, as changes of electromagnetic induction voltage. A detection signal for the scanning region detected by the apparatus is converted into a cipher code and then recorded in a code indicator section of the checking object.

Abstract: A number of high-permeability magnetic elements are dispersed in a scanning region of a checking object. A core of a processing apparatus is provided with an exciting coil and a sensor coil. When a bias magnetic field is applied to the core, and the scanning region is passed in the vicinity of a gap, the permeability of the gap varies depending on the density of the magnetic elements, so that a magnetic flux passing through the core changes. A detection signal corresponding to the change of the magnetic flux is detected by means of the sensor coil. This detection signal is converted into a cipher code and then recorded in a code indicator section of the checking object.

Abstract: An object to be checked has a scanning region which contains a large number of magnetic elements scattered at random. Each of the magnetic elements is made up of an element main body formed of a high molecular material, and magnetic metal powder contained in the element main body. A processing apparatus employed for checking whether or not the object is authentic has a magnetic sensor which is made up of a pair of MR elements and a magnet. The MR elements are arranged side by side in the direction in which the scanning region is scanned. In the manufacturing process of the object, a detection signal which is based on variations in the output ratio between the MR elements is produced, with the scanning region of the object being moved. The detection signal is converted into a cipher code, and this cipher code is recorded in a code indicator section.