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: 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: A therapeutic preparation for the transdermal application of active substances through the skin comprising additives causing an increase in the percutaneous absorption rate of active substances which can normally only insufficiently be absorbed transdermally is characterized by the fact that the additives are HMG-CoA-reductase-inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention is for the efficient transfer of mechanical power through a fluid medium. The various embodiments of the present invention exploit the natural physical properties of fluids to create a more efficient means of driving fluids as well as transferring power from propelled fluids. The present invention employs an impeller assembly in a variety of applications including hydroelectric turbines, fluid turbines, turbine transmissions and pumps of various types. The multi-disk impeller assembly having a central cavity, a specialized central hub design and reinforcing backing plates contribute to greater efficiency and less turbulence, friction and noise.

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.

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: Novel isolated polynucleotides that encode polypeptides involved in plant cell signaling are provided, together with DNA constructs comprising such polynucleotides. Methods for using such constructs for the modulation of cell signaling in plants are also disclosed, together with transgenic plants comprising such constructs.

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: Electronics packages having a primary metallic material, such as a titanium metallic material, metallurgically bonded to one or more secondary regions within the primary metallic material, the composite regions having desirable thermal conductivity properties and having a coefficient of thermal expansion (“CTE”) that generally matches the CTE of the primary metallic material are provided. Electronics packages comprising titanium having heat sinks comprising a metal matrix material such as aluminum silicon carbide or a composite metallic structure such as titanium aluminide/copper, are described. Methods for manufacturing electronics packages having a composite structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for the prevention and treatment of disorders, including disorders of the respiratory system, such as infection with mycobacteria such as M. tuberculosis or M. avium, sarcoidosis, asthma, allergic rhinitis and lung cancers are provided, such methods comprising administering a composition comprising derivatives of delipidated and deglycolipidated M vaccae cells.

Abstract: A new holder (1) for a disk-shaped information carrier, in particular for a compact disk, is described with a base support (2;21) and clamping elements (3; 17) arranged thereon and integrated therewith which extend into the central opening of the information carrier. The clamping elements (3; 17) in this arrangement are arranged surrounding a central support member (11; 18) and the clamping elements (3; 17) and support element (11; 18) are not higher than twice the thickness of the disk-shaped information carrier. Furthermore a plate-shaped support member (15) for a disk-shaped information carrier, in particular for a compact disk (32), is described which presents a recess in which a holder (1) is arranged which penetrates a central opening of the information carrier (32) detachably connecting the latter to the support member (15).

Abstract: A vaporization/pressurization module employs a porous member having a low thermal conductivity and a substantially uniform, small pore size. Liquid feed is introduced to the porous member and is heated, vaporized, and pressurized within and/or on a surface of the porous member to produce a vapor jet having a pressure higher than that of the liquid feed. A substantially vapor impermeable barrier facilitates accumulation and pressurization of the vapor, which is released from the module as a pressurized vapor jet from one or more restricted passages. The vaporization/pressurization module is especially useful for liquid fuel combustion applications.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of skin disorders, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, alopecia areata and skin cancers are provided, such methods comprising administering a composition having antigenic and/or adjuvant properties. Compositions which may be usefully employed in the inventive methods include inactivated M. vaccae cells, delipidated and deglycolipidated M. vaccae cells, M. vaccae culture filtrate and compounds present in or derived therefrom, together with combinations of such compositions.

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 process for ascertaining the adhesive behaviour of pressure-sensitive adhesive flat materials such as medicinal adhesive tape and, in particular, pressure-sensitive adhesive application systems such as transdermal therapeutic systems (TTS) is characterized in that a flat material (5) with an adhesive layer (6) of a defined coating weight per unit area and of defined quality of the adhesive mass is adhered with predetermined surface pressure and at a predetermined temperature to an elastic carrier film (4) of defined thickness and elasticity, and that said carrier film (4) is clamped into a test cell (21), in the manner of a membrane, between half-shells (1,2) of a test cell (21), and that the carrier film (4) along with the adhered flat material (5) is subjected, in chronologically repeated sequence, to loading and unloading with alternating elastic stretchings by defined loading forces from the side facing away from the flat material, and that a detachment of the adhesive layer, which detachment arises pro

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: Composite materials are composed of a primary metallic base material, such as a titanium metallic material, metallurgically bonded to one or more secondary materials having desirable thermal conductivity properties and having a coefficient of thermal expansion (“CTE”) that generally matches the CTE of the primary metallic material. An exemplary composite material is composed of a titanium primary material metallurgically bonded to a secondary metal matrix composite material having a high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum silicon carbide. Methods for manufacturing such composite materials are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of patients are provided, such methods comprising applying to the patient a transdermal therapeutic system comprising a therapeutically effective substance such that the dosage of the therapeutically active substance remains constant over a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical preparation adhering to the skin, in particular a TTS, for the release of the active substance 17-&bgr;-estradiol, the concentration of the 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 layers and, if present, also in an adhesive layer, characterized in that the estradiol quantity contained 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: A device for squeezing tubes consisting of two press rolls (1) arranged facing each other which can be placed onto the sides of a tube. Into the face side openings (1a) of the press rolls (1) pot-shaped sleeves (2) are inserted. These pot-shaped sleeves (2) towards the inside are provided with bottom parts (2a) with passage openings (2b). Into each of the pot-shaped sleeves (2) arranged superimposed of the press rolls (1) the arms (3a,b,c) of U-shaped spring clamps (3) are inserted through the passage openings and are guided shiftably therein. The end parts (3c) of the arms (3a,b,c) of said spring clamps (3) each are provided with a protrusion (4) which blocks passage of the arms (3a,b,c) through the passage openings (2b).