Abstract: In this shift device, in a case in which an external force has acted on a lever when an operating mechanism is causing the lever to pivot, a clutch mechanism permits rotation of a first detent plate with respect to a second detent plate, such that pivoting of the lever is permitted. Note that a restraining mechanism urges the lever toward a shift position. This enables to the restraining mechanism to urge the lever separately to the clutch mechanism, thereby enabling the degrees of freedom for setting a biasing load on the lever by the restraining mechanism to be increased.

Abstract: Provided are: a pyridazinone derivative and/or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which is useful as a therapeutic agent and/or a prophylactic agent for diseases in which Nav1.1 is involved and various central nervous system diseases; and a medicine containing the pyridazinone derivative and/or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as an active ingredient. A compound represented by formula (1) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. [In the formula, M1 represents a saturated or partially unsaturated C4-12 carbocyclic group or the like; R1 and R2 independently represent a hydrogen atom or the like; M2 represents a group represented by formula (2a) or the like; X1a, X1b and X1c independently represent N or the like; X2, X3 and X4 independently represent CR3 or the like; A1 and A2 independently represent N or the like; and R3 represents a hydrogen atom or the like.

Abstract: Provided is a new serotonin-reuptake inhibitor that exhibits affinity for serotonin-1A receptors. Said serotonin-reuptake inhibitor is a compound represented by formula (1) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof. In the formula, R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a 2-hydroxyethyl group, or a 2-methoxyethyl group. R2 represents one of the following bonded to a methylene group which is bonded to a piperidine ring: a chlorine atom bonded in a p-position; a bromine atom bonded in a p-position; a methyl group bonded in a p-position; a chlorine atom bonded in an m-position; or a bromine atom bonded in an m-position. Either Y1 represents a hydrogen atom and Y2 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group, or Y1 and Y2 together represent an oxo group. Z represents a group represented by one of the following formulas: formula (3-1-1), formula (3-1-2), formula (3-2-1), formula (3-2-2), formula (3-3-1), formula (3-3-2), formula (3-4-1), or formula (3-4-2).

Abstract: Provided is a new serotonin-reuptake inhibitor that exhibits affinity for serotonin-1A receptors. Said serotonin-reuptake inhibitor is a compound represented by formula (1) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof. In the formula, R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a 2-hydroxyethyl group, or a 2-methoxyethyl group. R2 represents one of the following bonded to a methylene group which is bonded to a piperidine ring: a chlorine atom bonded in a p-position; a bromine atom bonded in a p-position; a methyl group bonded in a p-position; a chlorine atom bonded in an m-position; or a bromine atom bonded in an m-position. Either Y1 represents a hydrogen atom and Y2 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group, or Y1 and Y2 together represent an oxo group. Z represents a group represented by one of the following formulas: formula (3-1-1), formula (3-1-2), formula (3-2-1), formula (3-2-2), formula (3-3-1), formula (3-3-2), formula (3-4-1), or formula (3-4-2).

Abstract: A method of decomposing an unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer which comprises bonding to a molecular chain thereof a functional group having the property of generating a free radical and then bringing a white-rot fungus or an enzyme excreted from a white-rot fungus into contact with the unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer. The method enables an unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer to be decomposed without adversely influencing the natural environment.

Abstract: Melanin is decomposed and decolored, by using a species of Basidiomycetes having melanin decomposing potency, which can be applied to whitening cosmetics for treating chloasma and freckle, and additionally, to the decoloring of melanin containing (foodstuff) industrial products.

Abstract: The liquid waste after pulp bleaching can be treated by using a microorganism having lignin degradation activity and having been pre-cultured in a culture medium supplemented with the liquid waste after pulp bleaching and/or lignin related substances, the cultured products thereof and/or the treated products thereof.The scarcely degradable colored ingredients and/or chlorinated phenols contained in the liquid waste after pulp bleaching can be decomposed and removed, whereby the efficient treatment of the liquid waste after pulp bleaching can be achieved.

Abstract: A biodegradable plastic added at an amount of a hydrophilic property imparting-substance providing wettability such that the contact angle of plastic surface to water is 70.degree. or less whereby the decomposability thereof with Basidiomycetes, the cultured products thereof and/or the processed products thereof is improved. A method for decomposing plastic under the conditions with limitation to nitrogen and/or carbon in decomposing such biodegradable plastic. In accordance with the present invention, the plastic which has conventionally been decomposed with difficulty can be decomposed efficiently.

Abstract: According to this invention, pulps can be produced in high yields while saving energy by previously fiberizing wood chips used as the original material and then treating with a microorganism having a high lignin-degrading activity and a low fiber-degrading activity upon the wood.In addition, new lignin-degrading enzymes produced by a microorganism used in this invention were identified.

Abstract: According to this invention, pulps can be produced in high yields while saving energy by previously fiberizing wood chips used as the original material and then treating with a microorganism having a high lignin-degrading activity and a low fiber-degrading activity upon the wood.In addition, new lignin-degrading enzymes produced by a microorganism used in this invention were identified.