Abstract: A pharmaceutical preparation adhering to the skin, in particular a transdermal therapeutic system, for the release of the active substance 17-&bgr;-estradiol, contained therein in dissolved form being between its saturation concentration in equilibrium with a gas phase of less than 10% relative air humidity and its saturation concentration in equilibrium with a gas phase of more than 90% relative air humidity, in all matrix levels and, if present, also in an adhesive layer, characterized in that the estradiol quantity contained in in the preparation amounts to at least three times the saturation solubility measured at 95% relative air humidity, and that the air enclosed in the package is adjusted to a relative air humidity between 5% and below 0.5%.

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: A vaporization module is provided that includes a capillary member to convert non-pressurized liquid to pressurized vapor. The pressure is sustained by capillary pressure of the liquid in the capillary member. The capillary member has low thermal conductivity and small-sized pores that permits liquid to travel by capillary action toward the vaporization zone. Often, the pores of the capillary member are substantially uniform in size. The capillary member may comprise ceramic material. The module also includes an orifice plate that has one or more orifices to permit release of pressurized vapor, e.g. as a pressurized vapor jet. The orifice plate is associated with a sealing member to form an at least partial enclosure of the module so that vapor may accumulate and pressure may be increased within the module. In addition, other aspects of the present invention relating to the vaporization and pressurization of liquid are described.

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: Intralumenal material removal systems are provided using an advanceable, rotatable and expandable cutter assembly. The intralumenal material removal system includes a cutter assembly positionable in the lumen of a mammalian subject and operably connected to system controls. The cutter assembly comprises a distal cutting head and an adjustable cutting assembly that is axially advanceable by translating the drive shaft and rotatable by rotating the drive shaft. The adjustable cutting assembly is adjustable between a smaller diameter condition and a larger diameter condition. The cutter may thus be introduced to and withdrawn from the material removal site in a retracted, smaller diameter condition that facilitates translation and navigation of the device through various lumens. The adjustable cutting assembly may be selectively expanded at the material removal site to facilitate cutting, removal and aspiration of the occlusive material.

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: The present invention comprises homeopathic dilutions of growth factors and methods for their use. Disorders which may be effectively treated with the compositions of the present invention include chronic viral disorders, such as HIV, AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome and Epstein-Barr viral infections, cancer, diabetes and depression. Homeopathic dilutions of growth factors are preferably administered orally. In an alternative embodiment, patients are treated with radio frequency signals corresponding to homeopathic dilutions of growth factors.

Abstract: Dual component container systems are provided for separately storing at least two liquids, which are intermixed within the system prior to dispensing. Two or more containers having mixing openings are provided wherein the mixing openings are sealed by sealing members. The sealed openings of the containers are interconnected by one or more connecting elements, thereby forming a sealed conduit interposed between containers and wherein at least one of the sealing members is connected to the connecting element by a releasable clamping joint. Systems of the present invention are designed such that relative movement of the two containers causes the sealing members to open or be removed, whereby fluids from the two or more containers may intermix via the open conduit formed by the connecting element.

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: 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 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: Methods are disclosed for diagnosing urinary incontinence or a predisposition to urinary incontinence in a subject by determining the ratio of expression levels of MMPs/TIMPs in pelvic supporting tissue of the subject and comparing the ratio to a predetermined indicator. A diagnostic kit is also disclosed. Methods are disclosed for treating urinary incontinence by reducing proteolysis of collagen in pelvic supporting tissue of the subject and for identifying therapeutic agents in in vitro screens.

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 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: Improved systems and methods for the hydration of environments such as display cases, walk-in storage rooms, greenhouses and large-scale storage facilities are provided. Consistent humidification is provided while effectively eliminating the problem of water streaming from atomization nozzles at the end of a pressurization and atomization cycle. The present invention eliminates the traditional regulators, pressure tanks and solenoid valve assemblies required to control water pressure, as well as bladder tanks and regulator valves for regulating air pressure, while more effectively controlling the problem of streaming by incorporating a drawback valve and, optionally, a miniature water regulator. Kits for retrofitting existing humidification systems to incorporate the improvements described herein are also provided.