Abstract: An upper detector and a lower detector that face at least one side of a fuel assembly, on which neutrons are irradiated in a nuclear reactor, and detect radiation are set at a predetermined interval in an axial direction of the fuel assembly. Distributions of radiation signals are measured by the upper detector and the lower detector while the fuel assembly and the upper detector and the lower detectors are relatively moved along the axial direction of the fuel assembly. Soundness of radiation signals measured by the upper detector and the lower detector is determined in every measurement by comparing radiation signal distributions obtained by measuring the same portion in the axial direction of the fuel assembly in a multiplexed manner with the upper detector and the lower detector. Thereafter, relative burn-up is calculated by utilizing the measured radiation signals to measure a burn-up profile.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tyrosinase activity controlling agent comprising, as an active ingredient, a compound that has tyrosinase inhibiting or promoting activity, an external preparation comprising the controlling agent, and a process for producing the compound.

Abstract: An upper detector and a lower detector that face at least one side of a fuel assembly, on which neutrons are irradiated in a nuclear reactor, and detect radiation are set at a predetermined interval in an axial direction of the fuel assembly. Distributions of radiation signals are measured by the upper detector and the lower detector while the fuel assembly and the upper detector and the lower detectors are relatively moved along the axial direction of the fuel assembly. Soundness of radiation signals measured by the upper detector and the lower detector is determined in every measurement by comparing radiation signal distributions obtained by measuring the same portion in the axial direction of the fuel assembly in a multiplexed manner with the upper detector and the lower detector. Thereafter, relative burn-up is calculated by utilizing the measured radiation signals to measure a burn-up profile.

Abstract: A novel microorganism that directly and biologically degrades a polyhydroxyalkanoate resin and plastic containing the resin and a method therefor are provided. A method for degrading the polyhydroxyalkanoate resin, which comprises degrading the resin using a thermophile belonging to the genus Streptomyces, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel microorganisms that directly biodegrade polylactide resins and plastics containing the same as well as a method therefor. Specifically, the present invention provides a method for degrading polylactide resins, wherein the polylactide resins are degraded by an actinomycete belonging to the genus Saccharothrix, Streptoalloteichus, Kibdelosporangium, Lentzea, Actinokineospora, Saccharomonospora, Saccharopolyspora, or Actinopolyspora.

Abstract: A carrier for nucleic acid molecule delivery formed from a saccharified copolymer comprising repeating unit (A) having a cationic group, saccharified repeating unit (B). There is further provided a carrier for nucleic acid molecule delivery formed from a saccharified copolymer comprising, in addition to the repeating units (A) and (B), repeating unit (C) having a hydrophobic substituent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tyrosinase activity controlling agent comprising, as an active ingredient, a compound that has tyrosinase inhibiting or promoting activity, an external preparation comprising the controlling agent, and a process for producing the compound.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel rapidly biodegradable polylactide resin composition while maintaining the good mechanical strength and physical properties of polylactide. This biodegradable polylactide resin composition comprises at least one protein selected from silk, gelatin, keratin, elastin, gluten, zein, or soybean. This composition further comprises degraded mannan, and furthermore, a filler.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel microorganisms that directly biodegrade polylactide resins and plastics containing the same as well as a method therefor. Specifically, the present invention provides a method for degrading polylactide resins, wherein the polylactide resins are degraded by an actinomycete belonging to the genus Saccharothrix, Streptoalloteichus, Kibdelosporangium, Lentzea, Actinokineospora, Saccharomonospora, Saccharopolyspora, or Actinopolyspora.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel rapidly biodegradable polylactide resin composition while maintaining the good mechanical strength and physical properties of polylactide. This biodegradable polylactide resin composition comprises at least one protein selected from silk, gelatin, keratin, elastin, gluten, zein, or soybean. This composition further comprises degraded mannan, and furthermore, a filler.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biodegradable resin composition with improved biodegradability or with an additional useful function (antibacterial properties), while maintaining the mechanical properties of the biodegradable resin. More specifically, the present invention provides a biodegradable resin composition containing a biodegradable resin such as a polylactic acid polymer and a mamman digestion product such as a mannooligosaccharide. The present invention further provides various biodegradable products produced by molding this biodegradable resin composition into desired shapes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biodegradable resin composition with improved biodegradability or with an additional useful function (antibacterial properties), while maintaining the mechanical properties of the biodegradable resin. More specifically, the present invention provides a biodegradable resin composition containing a biodegradable resin such as a polylactic acid polymer and a mamman digestion product such as a mannooligosaccharide. The present invention further provides various biodegradable products produced by molding this biodegradable resin composition into desired shapes.

Abstract: A microorganism belonging to the genus Staphylococcus or the genus Streptomyces which is capable of degrading a polylactic acid resin. A method of degrading a polylactic acid resin including a step of culturing a microorganism capable of degrading a polylactic acid resin in a medium containing a polylactic acid resin. In particular, the microorganisms Streptomyces violaceusniger FERM BP-6110 and Streptomyces cyaneus FERM BP-6111 are used.

Abstract: A microorganism belonging to the genus Staphylococcus or the genus Streptomyces which is capable of degrading a polylactic acid resin. A method of degrading a polylactic acid resin including a step of culturing a microorganism capable of degrading a polylactic acid resin in a medium containing a polylactic acid resin. In particular, the microorganisms Staphylococcus hominis FERM BP-6108 and Staphylococcus epidermidis FERM BP-6109.

Abstract: Disclosed are a polymerizable sugar ester of the formula shown below and a process for the production thereof:S(OH).sub.q-1 --OOC--R--COOCH.dbd.CH.sub.2wherein S(OH).sub.q-1, represents a sugar residue obtained by removing one hydroxyl group from a sugar compound composed of a sugar skeleton S and q number of hydroxyl groups bonded thereto, and R represents an alkylene group. The polymerizable sugar ester is produced by reacting a sugar compound represented by the following general formula:S(OH).sub.qwherein S represents the sugar skeleton and q is the number of the hydroxyl groups bonded thereto, with a divinyl ester of an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid represented by the following general formula:CH.sub.2 .dbd.CHOOC--R--COOCH.dbd.CH.sub.2in the presence of a hydrolytic enzyme. The polymerizable sugar ester gives a sugar-based polymer by polymerization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of decomposing hard type rubber products, which comprises treating hard type rubber products with a microorganism belonging to the genus Nocardia in the presence of soft type rubber products. According to the present invention, hard type rubber products, particularly tires, can be efficiently decomposed.

Abstract: A polycarbonate resin, such as a poly(tetramethylene carbonate) resin, is enzymatically decomposed by contacting the polycarbonate resin with at least one enzyme selected from porcine pancreas lipase, Pseudomonas sp. lipase and Pseudomonas sp. lipoprotein lipase in the presence of water.

Abstract: A biodegradable plastic composition for forming biodegradable shaped bodies which includes a poly-.beta.-hydroxybutyrate having a viscosity of n.sub.A at 185.degree. C. and a polycaprolactone having a viscosity of n.sub.B at 185.degree. C., wherein the poly-.beta.-hydroxybutyrate is present in an amount C.sub.A of 10-45 or 55-85% by weight based on the total weight of the poly-.beta.-hydroxybutyrate and the polycaprolactone, and wherein n.sub.A, n.sub.B and C.sub.A satisfy the following condition:4.times.10.sup.-3 .times.C.sub.A -1.7.ltoreq.log (n.sub.A /n.sub.B).ltoreq.4.times.10.sup.-3 .times.C.sub.A -1.3.

Abstract: A biodegradable plastic composition, which may be in the form of a molded dy, includes gelatinized starch and a biodegradable, aliphatic polyester resin having a melting point of 45.degree.-130 .degree. C. The plastic is produced by kneading a blend containing a starchy substance selected from non-gelatinized, granular starch and gelatinized starch and the aliphatic polyester resin at a temperature higher than the melting point of the aliphatic polyester in the presence of water in an amount of 1-45 % based on the weight of the starchy substance.

Abstract: Biodisintegrable thermoplastic resin moldings and a process for producing same are disclosed, the biodisintegrable thermoplastic resin moldings being comprised of a thermoplastic aliphatic polyester resin as a matrix resin having dispersed therein an other type of thermoplastic resin in a proportion of 40-75 weight % based on the whole resin. The biodisintegrable thermoplastic resin moldings is easily disintegrable after disposal in an environment where microorganisms exist so that the moldings can be reduced in bulkness and give no harmful effect on the life of natural plants and animals. Thus, the present invention affords an effective means for solving various problems in the treatment of disposed plastic articles.