Abstract: An effective agent for treating ischemic disease, the agent containing human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (human G-CSF) as an active ingredient is disclosed. By administering this therapeutic agent, an effective therapy particularly for obstructive arteriosclerosis is provided which can eliminate drawbacks with conventional therapies, such as kinesitherapy, pharmacotherapy, and revascularization, and recently proposed therapies, such as gene therapy and intramuscular transplantation of bone marrow cells. Furthermore, the therapeutic agent can be used as an agent for treating ischemic disease, such as ischemic cerebrovascular disorder or ischemic heart disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to a direct-current high-voltage generator that comprises: current unidirectional switches (74, 76); a driver unit (130) capable of controlling the switching operation from an on-state to an off-state of a switch (74) only when a switch connected in parallel is in the on-state.

Abstract: A method of message communication via a messaging system between one or more originating communication devices assigned to a sender and one or more destination communication devices assigned to a receiver, a messaging system, a service center and a client thereof.

Abstract: A serial intelligent cell (SIC) and a connection topology for local area networks using Electrically-conducting media. A local area network can be configured from a plurality of SIC's interconnected so that all communications between two adjacent SIC's is both point-to-point and bidirectional. Each SIC can be connected to one or more other SIC's to allow redundant communication paths. Communications in different areas of a SIC network are independent of one another, so that, unlike current bus topology and star topology, there is no fundamental limit on the size or extent of a SIC network. Each SIC can optionally be connected to one or more data terminals, computers, telephones, sensors, actuators, etc., to facilitate interconnectivity among such devices. Networks according to the present invention can be configured for a variety of applications, including a local telephone system, remote computer bus extender, multiplexers, PABX/PBX functionality, security systems, and local broadcasting services.

Abstract: Continuous casting machine for forming a lead alloy strip of large thickness; which comprises a cooled rotating drum (4) having an annular seat (8) formed on the periphery thereof and a vat (10) for containing a molten lead bath, which is sealingly engaged on the peripheral surface (7) of the rotating drum (4). The machine (1) also comprises a fixed shoe (11) extending, from the vat (10), along an arc (25) around the rotating drum (4) and having an arc shape suitable for sealing engagement, in a sliding relationship, on the shoulders (90) of the annular seat (8). Heating means (26) are provided, these consisting of a plurality of torches acting on the shoe (11) along at least an initial section thereof (25) which extends from the vat (10), for heating to a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the lead alloy the free surface of the lead inside the annular seat (8).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a food-cooking surface for a kitchen utensil or cooker, characterized in that the cooking surface is a coating containing at least 30% niobium. Advantageously, the coating contains zirconium or titanium, with a content of less than 70%.

Abstract: A power unit 16 includes an armature 38 rotated always in unison with a cable drum 17 and movable in an axial direction of a drum shaft 25, a flange 39 always connected to a motor 28 side, and a magnetic coil portion 37 bringing the armature 38 into abutment against the flange 39. The armature is disposed adjacent to a side of the drum rim body 23 of the cable drum 17, the magnetic coil portion 37 is disposed on the other side of the armature 38, and the flange 39 is disposed between the magnetic coil portion 37 and the armature 38.

Abstract: A technique of finding connectivity solutions for network elements to be switched into a path selected in a network managed by a network management system (NMS), wherein each network element comprises input ports and output ports, each of the ports enabling a plurality of connection points, the technique including providing, at the level of NMS, a connectivity table (CT) comprising data on possible internal connections between connection points of any input port and any output port of any of the network elements managed by the NMS. The technique enables, whenever a particular network element is selected with its input port and its output port to be used in the path, obtaining a connectivity solution for the particular network element at the level of NMS.

Abstract: A dismantable writing desk storable in a case is described. The desk comprises a foldable base; a cover in the form of a housing coupled on the base and serving as a case to store the desk; a leg attached to the cover lower part; a left and right walls coupled to the cover and formed by a lower half and an upper half coupled to each other; and, a foldable board mounted to the left and right walls. To store the desk, the foldable board is detached and folded; the walls are detached and their halves are decoupled; the cover is detached from the base and the leg detaches from the cover, storing therein the base, the leg and both walls halves. In an embodiment, the desk is provided with transparent vertical panels mounted on the cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a molecular assembly on a substrate usable for studying and/or performing biological interactions and/or reactions The invention further relates to an in vitro method to provide a substrate with a heparin coating presenting biotinylated biomolecules comprising linking avidin to a surface capable of binding avidin. A heparin conjugate is then linked to the avidin treated surface to form a layer of heparin thereon. Finally, a biotinylated biological probe or biomolecule is linked to the avidin through the layer of heparin thereby forming an essentially biologically inert surface with biotinylated probes extending out from the surface.

Abstract: The present invention has objects to provide a glucan useful as water-soluble dietary fiber, its preparation and uses. The present invention solves the above objects by providing a branched ?-glucan, which is constructed by glucose molecules and characterized by methylation analysis as follows: (1) Ratio of 2,3,6-trimethyl-1,4,5-triacetyl-glucitol to 2,3,4-trimethyl-1,5,6-triacetyl-glucitol is in the range of 1:0.6 to 1:4; (2) Total content of 2,3,6-trimethyl-1,4,5-triacetyl-glucitol and 2,3,4-trimethyl-1,5,6-triacetyl-glucitol is 60% or higher in the partially methylated glucitol acetates; (3) Content of 2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,5-triacetyl-glucitol is 0.5% or higher but less than 10% in the partially methylated glucitol acetates; and (4) Content of 2,4-dimethyl-1,3,5,6-tetraacetyl-glucitol is 0.5% or higher in the partially methylated glucitol acetates; a novel ?-glucosyltransferase which forms the branched ?-glucan, processes for producing them, and their uses.

Abstract: The elongated stabilization member comprises a composite rod (R) having a uniform cross-section essentially throughout its length. The rod (R) has at least first and second segments (A, B, C) each of which has a different modulus of elasticity. Preferably the rod (R) is comprised of plastic with carbon fibers disposed therein and said first and second segments (A, B, C) have different orientation densities of fibers or lengths to provide said different moduli of elasticity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a connecting rod bearing for crankshafts having a pair of semi-cylindrical bearings. Circumferential grooves (CG) on the bearing inner surface extend from each circumferential end toward the circumferential center within a maximum circumferential angle of 45 degrees and divide reduced wall thickness region into two sections. Axial grooves communicating with the CG are provided along abutted ends of the bearings. Circumferential length of the CG is larger than that of the reduced region. Depth of the CG becomes gradually smaller from the end toward the center. Width of the CG is not smaller than one-quarter of a diameter of lubricant-oil outlet of internal lubricant-oil passage in a crankpin and less than the diameter. Cross-sectional area of the CG is larger than that of the axial grooves at a connection portion thereof.

Abstract: An assembly for attenuating shock waves is made of two flexible sheets arranged one over the other and joined by a plurality of seams, the flexible sheets being confined to form cells or recessed when joined together. The seams are arranged so as to surround the cells or recesses in the sheets, and the cells or recesses are filled with a shock attenuating material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine arranged to operate in explosive environments, comprising a rotatable shaft (16) extending through a stationary part (10) of said machine, a gland (20) which is mounted in said stationary part (10) and which is provided with a through hole in order to accommodate said rotatable shaft (16) such that a flame path is provided between the rotatable shaft (16) and the gland (20). The invention is characterized in that the machine comprises dampening means (42) arranged between and separates the gland (16) and the stationary part (10) in the axial and radial directions such that a flame path (50, 56) is provided, the dampening means (42) maintaining the flame path (50, 56) and permitting axial and radial movement of the gland (20) in relation to the stationary part (10) upon rotation of the rotatable shaft (16).

Abstract: The inventive method for controlling access to data which is used by reference in a program execution system (including processes and aims) during the program execution consists in memorising by the system the totality of references obtainable by said program with the aid of means considered legal, before any operation which can be prohibited if it relates to values which are not legal references, in verifying by the system whether said values are amongst the legal references memorized for the program and in accepting or rejecting the operation, respectively.

Abstract: A measurement device is presented being configured to be connectable to an analyzer unit (including a network analyzer). The measurement device includes a measuring unit and a calibration and control unit connected to and integral with the measuring unit. The calibration and control unit is configured to enable connection of the measuring unit to the analyzer unit. The calibration and control unit includes a number of terminals of known RF reflection coefficients respectively and includes a memory utility carrying recorded data indicative of said RF reflection coefficients and recorded data indicative of RF transfer coefficients of the calibration and control unit. This configuration enables calculation of the RF response of the measuring unit while remaining integral with the calibration and control unit.