Abstract: Novel isolated plant polynucleotide promoter sequences are provided, together with genetic constructs comprising such polynucleotides. Methods for using such constructs in modulating the transcription of DNA sequences of interest are also disclosed, together with transgenic plants comprising such constructs.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides encoding polypeptides expressed in mammalian skin cells are provided, together with expression vectors and host cells comprising such isolated polynucleotides. Methods for the use of such polynucleotides and polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: Optical detection techniques for the assessment of the physiological state, health and/or viability of biological materials are provided. Biological materials which may be examined using such techniques include cells, tissues, organs and subcellular components. The inventive techniques may be employed in high throughput screening of potential diagnostic and/or therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A method for cooling is provided which makes use of materials which undergo a pressure induced structural phase transition such that the material's crystal field interaction changes, and which colds down during this phase transition. This effect is used for cooling objects which are thermally coupled to the material.

Abstract: A new foam spraying apparatus 1 is described for a liquid container. It comprises a piston and cylinder unit (20; 37) for the air and a piston and cylinder unit (21; 38) for the liquid in which arrangement the piston and cylinder units (20, 37; 21, 38) each are provided with an inlet valve (30; 44) and with an outlet valve (24) and are co-operating being coupled to each other. Furthermore a mixing chamber (14) for the mixture of air and liquid and a spraying head (2) with a foam delivery opening (9) are provided. The cylinder (20) of the first unit and the piston (21) of the second unit are interconnected to an intermediate part (5). Furthermore the piston (37) of the first unit and the cylinder (38) of the second unit are also interconnected to a base part (4) in such a manner that the intermediate part (5) and the base part (4) mesh and are movable relative to each other.

Abstract: Novel polynucleotides isolated from Lactobacillus rhamnosus, as well as probes and primers, genetic constructs comprising the polynucleotides, biological materials, including plants, microorganisms and multicellular organisms incorporating the polynucleotides, polypeptides expressed by the polynucleotides, and methods for using the polynucleotides and polypeptides are disclosed.

Abstract: A water circulation and filtration system for maintaining a high level of water quality in aquariums is provided. Preferably the system is used in conjunction with a gravel screen, which is located just above the base of the aquarium. The inventive system comprises a vertical water flushing tube connected to a water supply or a reverse power-head pump and having an opening positioned in proximity to the base of the aquarium and below the gravel screen. A water circulation tube and water draining tube, each of which have openings located immediately above the base of the aquarium and below the gravel screen, are provided at the opposing end of the aquarium. The water circulation tube is connected at its other end to a standard filter, while the water draining tube is connected at its other end to a hose leading to a sink, drain or external container.

Abstract: Improved footwear and accessory devices, such as crampons, are disclosed for enhancing the performance of footwear under different conditions and, thus, providing more versatile footwear. The footwear has an outsole flex zone in a forefoot region that flexes during hiking and climbing in various terrains. The footwear also includes toe and heel attachment points for installation of an accessory, such as a crampon and, additionally, includes a midfoot attachment point for mounting of the accessory. The midfoot attachment point is preferably located between the outsole flex zone and the heel attachment point. A forefoot contact mechanism may also be provided in the footwear outsole that interacts with a rigid forefoot contact mechanism of the accessory to enhance the rigidity of the forefoot region when the accessory is mounted. A crampon accessory device for mounting on the footwear is also disclosed.

Abstract: A new photovoltaic cell is described, in particular a dye or solar cell having electrically conducting coatings on spaced, glass support panes. In its border zones, the cell is provided with a circumferentially extending seal. Furthermore, the electrically conductive conductor leads are protected against corrosion by an insulating coating on the side facing the cell inside. A method of manufacture of a photovoltaic cell of the type mentioned is described in which the electrically conductive leads are applied using a screen printing process.

Abstract: Novel isolated polynucleotides associated with programmed cell death and various plant developmental mechanisms are provided, together with genetic constructs comprising such sequences. Methods for the modulation of the content, structure and metabolism of forestry plants, and particularly for the modulation of PCD and various plant developmental mechanisms in forestry plants, are also disclosed, the methods comprising incorporating one or more of the polynucleotides or genetic constructs of the present invention into the genome of a forestry plant.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides comprising an immunogenic epitope of a M. vaccae protein, polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, and fusion proteins comprising at least one such polypeptide, together with DNA constructs comprising at least one inventive polynucleotide. Compositions comprising such polypeptides, polynucleotides, fusion proteins and/or DNA constructs may be employed in the treatment of infectious diseases and immune disorders.

Abstract: A safety binding for a snowboard comprising a first part secured to the snowboard and a second part connected to the ski boot or snowboard boot. Both parts are joined to each other by a locking mechanism which can be released using force. The locking mechanism consists of at least two pressure springs which are arranged substantially parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the snowboard. Each spring has a bolt which engages with a locking member.

Abstract: Novel isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides associated with the lignin biosynthetic pathway are provided, together with constructs including such sequences. Methods for the modulation of lignin content, lignin structure and lignin composition in target organisms are also disclosed, the methods comprising incorporating one or more of the polynucleotides of the present invention into the genome of a target organism.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides comprising an immunogenic portion of a M. vaccae soluble protein and DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides, together with methods for their use in the diagnosis and treatment of mycobacterial infection. Methods for enhancing the immune response to an antigen including administration of M. vaccae culture filtrate or delipidated M. vaccae cells are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable door lock which comprises a bracket having a protrusion capable of insertion into a lock chamber of a doorframe. The bracket is connected by means of a hinge to a threaded bolt, upon which a hinged brace is slidably mounted. The hinged brace comprises a first member, which is adapted to be pressed against the door, pivotally connected to a second member, which is adapted to be pressed against the doorframe. A spring is mounted upon the first member and engages the second member, urging the second member away from the first member. The second member is provided with a stop which engages the first member. A thumbwheel is mounted upon and threadably engages the threaded bolt, effectively retaining the hinged brace upon the threaded bolt.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides comprising an immunogenic portion of a M. vaccae protein and DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides, together with methods for their use in the diagnosis and treatment of mycobacterial infection. Methods for enhancing the immune response to an antigen including administration of M. vaccae culture filtrate, delipidated M. vaccae cells or delipidated and deglycolipidated M. vaccae cells are also provided.

Abstract: Novel isolated plant polynucleotide promoter sequences are provided, together with DNA constructs comprising such polynucleotides. Methods for using such constructs in modulating the transcription of DNA sequences of interest are also disclosed, together with transgenic plants comprising such constructs.

Abstract: Novel polynucleotides including partial and extended sequences, and open reading frames, are provided, together with probes and primers, DNA constructs comprising the polynucleotides, biological materials and organisms incorporating the polynucleotides, polypeptides expressed by the polynucleotides, and methods for using the polynucleotides and polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides solutions and methods for preserving living biological materials that enable organs, tissues and cells to be stored for extended periods of time with minimal loss of biological activity. The inventive solutions are substantially isotonic with the biological material to be preserved and are substantially free of dihydrogen phosphate, bicarbonate, nitrate, bisulfate and iodide. In one embodiment, preferred for the preservation of platelets, the solutions comprise betaine, sodium chloride and sodium citrate. For the preservation of many living biological materials, the inventive solutions preferably contain a calcium salt selected from the group consisting of calcium sulfate and calcium chloride.

Abstract: Polypeptides and polynucleotides isolated from Mycobacterium vaccae are provided, together with compositions comprising such polypeptide and polynucleotides and methods for their use in the enhancement of immune responses to heterologous antigens.