Abstract: An agent for dehydrating corneas, in particular eye corneas for organ culture, contains the culture medium and as dehydrating substance hydroxyethylstarch with a mean molecular weight Mw from 070,000 to 200,000, an MS substitution degree from 0.15 to 0.5, a DS substitution degree from 0.15 to 0.5 and a C2-C6 substitution ratio at the anhydroglucose units .ltoreq.8. The dehydrating substance is preferably hydroxyethylstarch with a mean molecular weight Mw 130,000.+-.20,000, an MS substitution degree from 0.38 to 0.45, a DS substitution degree from 0.32 to 0.40 and a C2-C6 substitution ratio at the anhydroglucose units from 8 to 20. The hydroxyethylstarch is used in a concentration from 1 to 20 (weight/vol.) %, preferably from 2 to 15 (weight/vol.) %, and in particular of 7.5% (weight/vol.).

Abstract: A composition which comprises an animal cell population which contains immature animal cells. The immature animal cells are characterized by expression of alpha-fetoprotein or lack of essential expression of alpha-fetoprotein and albumin, and at least a portion of said immature animal cells or at least a portion of the progeny of said immature animal cells is capable of differentiating into cells which express albumin. The cell population is cultured under conditions which result in expansion of the cells. Expansion of the cells may be achieved by culturing the cells in the presence of an extracellular matrix and liver stromal cells; and preferably in the presence of growth factors. Such cells may be used for liver transplantation, artificial livers, and for toxicology and pharmacology studies. Such cells may also be genetically engineered to express proteins or polypepetides of interest.

Abstract: This invention relates to a detachable connecting terminal which connects an electric conductor in the form of a wire or strand with an electroconductive contact bar, wherein a pivotedly positioned terminal disk in the housing forces the conductor against the contact bar when swivelled. According to the invention, the terminal disk has a knife which, together with a counter knife at the contact bar, separates the insulation from the conductor upon rotation of the terminal disk and forces the stripped portion of the conductor against the clamping region upon further rotation of the terminal disk. This joint can be separated with a suitable tool by pressing against a locking nose.