Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in edible fats, in particular to improved hardstocks for use in spreads having a low content of saturated fat and to spreads containing these hardstocks. Edible spreads should contain particularly low levels of C-16 saturated fatty acids and low levels of trans fatty acids. Accordingly, the invention provides a fat blend, for use as a hardstock in an edible emulsion spread, obtainable by interesterification of a fat rich in behenic acid together with a fat rich in palmitic and/or stearic acid such that in the interesterified mixture the behenic acid content is at least 5% and the sum of palmitic and stearic acid content is at least 50%. Such hardstock fats may be obtained by interesterification of 10%-90% (by weight) wet fractionated palm stearin (80% palmitic acid) with 90%-10% (by weight) fully hydrogenated high erucic rapeseed oil. The preferred ratio of components is 60% of the behenic acid source and 40% of the palmitic and/or stearic acid source.

Abstract: There is disclosed a structure, in which a bracket for supporting a pivotal shaft portion of an arm of a sun visor is mounted on a panel of a vehicle body. The panel has a hole allowing for the insertion of the pivotal shaft portion, and four slits radially extending from the hole.

Abstract: The invention prevents the temperature of supplied air from being decreased by a defrosting operation when a vehicle is in operation. During the heating operation, it is judged whether the vehicle is in operation. When the vehicle is in operation, it is judged whether an external heat exchanger is frosted or not relying upon the external air temperature, temperature of the external heat exchanger (coolant) and the time of heating operation. When it is judged that frost is formed, the rotational speed of the compressor is increased to increase the ability to supplying the coolant, to maintain heating ability and to prevent the drop of temperature of the supplied air. When the frost is formed after the operation of the vehicle has been finished, it is judged whether the secondary batteries are being charged or not, i.e., whether the charging circuit of the secondary batteries is connected to the external power source for charging or not.

Abstract: The invention relates to vitamin D compounds of formula (I) ##STR1## in which X is hydrogen or hydroxy; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 stand for hydrogen or a C.sub.1-6 hydrocarbyl radical which is optionally substituted with one or more deuterium or fluorine atoms, or taken together with the carbon atom bearing the group X can form a C.sub.3-8 carbocyclic ring; Q is a single bond or a C.sub.1-8 hydrocarbylene diradical which is optionally substituted with one or more deuterium or fluorine atoms; and derivatives of formula I. The compounds show anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects as well as strong activity in inducing differentiation and inhibiting undesirable proliferation of certain cells.

Abstract: Enzyme electrodes having the enzyme enclosed within liposomes supported on, or in a membrane and immobilized therein are provided. The liposomes may be made using lipids and conveniently by "reverse phase evaporation". The enzyme electrodes incorporate conventional electrode elements, e.g., THE Clark electrode pair (Platinum/Silver) and additional membranes or screens, and used particularly in amperometric measurements. The enzyme can be an oxidase and is useful for measurement, directly or indirectly, of low molecular weight species generated by enzymic action, and effective for study of biological fluids.

Abstract: A fluid compressor having a rotational force transmitting mechanism. The mechanism comprises an Oldam portion, an Oldam ring and a second cylinder gearing. The Oldam portion is integral with a piston. The Oldam ring has a first pair of key grooves and a second pair of key grooves. The key grooves of the first pair extend at right angles to those of the second pair. The second cylinder bearing is fitted in the cylinder and has two projections fitted in the key grooves of the second pair. The Oldam ring is made of silicon nitride ceramic.

Abstract: A coating composition which comprises a dispersion in an aqueous medium of a dispersed vinyl polymer which is stabilized in dispersion by the presence of a stabilizer which is an epoxy resin, which has at least two hydrolyzable silane groups and at least one protonated or quaternised amine group.

Abstract: A method of securing human nasal tissue includes the steps of providing a fastener driving device including at least one arm member sized and configured to be inserted into a nasal passage; inserting the at least one arm member into a nasal passage; driving a fastener at least partially through the nasal tissue with the at least one arm member; and withdrawing the at least one arm member from the nasal passage leaving the fastener in securement with the nasal tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling striping equipment mounted on a vehicle includes a controller. The controller receives signals from a distance measuring device and various sensors. The controller also receives operator input via a console having operator controls. Based on the operator input, the controller determines striping commands which instruct the controller to cause the striping equipment to paint a painting pattern. The controller generates a striping program during a striping operation by saving the striping commands as a function of the measured distance. Using a previously saved striping program, the controller can cause the repainting of a previous striping operation. The controller also monitors striping operational data as a function of the distance travelled, and performs diagnostic functions to determine malfunction of the striping control system and the controller itself.

Abstract: Method for the stabilisation of endogenous physiologically active peptides in human whole blood, serum and plasma samples before and/or during the determination of the-concentration of these peptides by immunodiagnostic or physical assay methods, in which a stabiliser combination which consists of the protease inhibitors amastatin and leupeptin and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) or contains the stated compounds is added to the samples.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for processing, sterilizing and packaging solid food in which a food portion is held in a saline solution contained in an enclosure formed by a packaging film, the food portion is processed and sterilized by ohmic heating, which also sterilizes the inside surface of the film, and after processing, the enclosure is collapsed around the food portion and resealed as an encapsulation around it, thus producing a sterilized package.