Abstract: The present invention relates to mutations located within the gene coding for adiponectin, said mutations being associated with presbycusis. The present invention further relates to adiponectin polynucleotides comprising such mutations, to adiponectin polypeptides encoded by such polynucleotides, and to methods of diagnosing and/or treating presbycusis using adiponectin polynucleotides, adiponectin polypeptides and/or ADIPOR2 polypeptides.

Abstract: Ingots of high-melting ferroalloys and metal alloys with good forming properties are obtained by melting a consumable electrode in a slag bath in an ingot mold while cooling the ingot mold and providing a high pressure gas inert to the slag above the slag bath. The apparatus is a trisectional pressure chamber including an ingot mold which may be surrounded by a pressure container, a bell-type distributing device surrounding and extending above the mold, a cap for the distributing device through which a guide rod for a consumable electrode is introduced into the mold and a gland mounted in the cap for sealing the pressure chamber.