Abstract: This invention pertains to nucleic acid molecules encoding plant proteins that interact with nuclear matrix proteins and function as transcriptional activators. Using MFP1 and the yeast two-hybrid screen, MAF1 and NMP1 were isolated and sequenced and determined to be novel. Using MAF1 for a second yeast two-hybrid screen, four additional novel proteins have been isolated, sequenced and identified as FLIP1, FLIP2, FLIP3 and FLIP4. The proteins of the instant invention can be used to enhance the level of gene expression in plants and other eukaryotic organisms.

Abstract: A new process for the preparation of neodymium neodecanoate, which is utilized as the metallic component, in a new process for the preparation of three-component homogeneous catalytic systems. The invention also deals with a solution polymerization process for the preparation of polybutadiene with a high content of the 1,4-cis units.

Abstract: A device for measuring moisture is described. This device includes a sensor unit (1) having a moisture-sensitive sensor element (1.1) and a carrier element (2), upon which the sensor unit is mounted. The carrier element (2), as well as the sensor unit (1) have electrical contact regions (1.2a, 1.2b). Carrier element (2) has a recess (6), above which the sensor unit (1) is mounted. The moisture-sensitive sensor element (1.1) is oriented in the direction of the recess (6). The sensor-side contact regions are formed on the side of the sensor unit (1) facing the carrier element (2). In at least one partial region adjacent to the sensor unit (1), the carrier element (2) is provided with a coating (3) which absorbs and/or releases as little moisture as possible.

Abstract: This invention relates to a non-flavor scalping, extrusion coating resin comprising poly(1,3-propanediol terephthalate) homopolymer or copolymer of 1,3-propanediol, terephthalic acid and isophthalic acid, as well as a nucleation promoter. The invention also comprises a non-flavor scalping extrusion coated package, e.g., a carton or can.

Abstract: A nickel based alloy is provided which includes, in weight percentage, carbon from about 2 to about 3; chromium from about 30 to about 40; tungsten from about 12 to about 18; iron from about 3.5 to about 8.5; molybdenum from about 1 to about 8; manganese up to about 0.5; silicon up to about 1.0; and the balance nickel and incidental impurities. The alloy is useful for internal combustion engine valve seat inserts and the like.

Abstract: In an automated method for mounting a valve stem to the rim of an automotive vehicle wheel, rims are supplied in series by a conveyor to a gauging station where the location and alignment of a hole for receiving the valve stem is determined by a machine vision system. An electronic control system directs a robotic manipulator to grasp the rim, move it to a mounting station where a valve stem is retained, position the rim such that the hole is in alignment with the valve stem, and urge the rim toward the valve stem to insert the valve stem through the hole in the rim. If necessary, a power-actuated nut runner, mounted on the robotic manipulator or adjacent the mounting station, is used to tighten a nut over the valve stem to secure. As an alternative to the machine vision system, the gauging station may utilize a rotating table which rotates the wheel about its central axis, and an “electric eye” optical sensor which directs a beam of infrared light onto the rim.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an insert for a vacuum deaerator for receiving a liquid having gas entrained therein and distributing the liquid to a gas-disentrainment surface, with distributing structure being connected to the receiving structure to permit the liquid to flow from the receiving structure to the distributing structure, and at least one fin attached to and extending downwardly from the distributing structure to receive the liquid from the distributing structure and to provide a gas-disentrainment surface to aid removal of entrained gas from the liquid.

Abstract: Structures for transport and containment of hydrocarbon fluids for motorized transportation vehicles are made from a blend of polar-grafted fluoropolymer dispersed in a matrix of polar polymer. The blend can be in a component element of a composite structure.

Abstract: A hydrogenolysis catalyst that possesses high hydrogenolysis performance at low temperatures and during the debenzylation reaction of a compound wherein a benzyl group combines with a nitrogen atom, which is difficult for conventional catalysts. The catalyst comprises (a) a component comprising at least one compound selected from the group consisting of palladium oxide, palladium oxide monohydrate, and palladium hydroxide wherein the oxidation of palladium is divalent, and (b) a component comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of Pt, Ru, Rh, Ir and Au, carried on a non-organic porous substance.

Abstract: Method for thermally bonding contact elements (14, 15) of a flexible film substrate (10) to contact metallizations (17) of an electronic component (12), the flexible film substrate having a support layer (13) of transparent plastics material and energy being applied to the contact elements from their rear by means of laser radiation (11), the transparency of the support layer (13), the absorption of the contact elements (14, 15) and the wavelength of the laser radiation (11) being matched to one another in such a way that the laser radiation is essentially transmitted through the support layer (13) and absorbed in the contact elements (14, 15), and the pressure being applied to the substrate (10) in such a way that the contact elements (14, 15) of the substrate (10) and the contact metallizations (17) of the component (12) are up against one another during the application of the laser radiation (11) in the region of an application point of the optical fibre.

Abstract: A method for quality control of spot welding in a welding machine, consisting in estimating the energy of the welding spot through the integral of the welding power, the integration extremes of which are determined by the time interval between two successive zero crossings of the welding current.

Abstract: A copolymer comprising monomers copolymerized in the following percentages by weight: (a) from about 40% to about 75% of a monomer of formula I: Rf—CH2CH2—OC(O)—C(R)═CH2  I (b) from about 15% to about 55% of a monomer of formula II: R2—OC(O)—C(R)═CH2  II (c) from 1.5% to about 5% of a monomer of the formula III: HO—CH2CH2—OC(O)—C(R)═CH2  III (d) from 1.5% to about 5% of a monomer of the formula IV: H—(OCH2CH2)m—O—C(O)—C(R)═CH2  IV (e) from 1% to about 3% of a monomer of the formula V: HO—CH2—NH—C(O)—C(R)═CH2  V (f) from 0% to about to about 9.

Abstract: The preparation and use of an isolated nucleic acid fragment which confers a Pi-ta resistance gene-mediated defense response in plants against disease caused by fungal pathogens is described. Genes incorporating such nucleic acid fragments either alone or in combination with an AVR-Pita isolated nucleic acid fragment or functionally equivalent subfragments thereof and suitable regulatory sequences can be used to create transgenic plants which can produce a Pi-ta resistance gene-mediated defense response against a variety of fungal pathogens, in particular, the rice blast fungus.

Abstract: A method for producing a substantially rod-shaped composite body (6) consists of a core (4) enveloped by at least one polymer, according to which the plasticized polymer (5) is extruded onto the core (4). At least one natural polymer is used and a sliding agent on the basis of native oils and/or waxes is added before or during extrusion. The method is used for the production of writing, drawing, cosmetic pencils.

Abstract: An apparatus for laying underground electric cables, in particular for high-voltage lines, having a vehicle towable along a trench and carrying, on a first van, a first deposition unit adapted to form a base layer of inert material for heat dissipation at the trench bottom. Mounted on the first van is a guide structure engaging the cable for laying it on the base layer previously compacted by a vibrating plate. A second van carries a second deposition unit forming a covering layer of inert material upon the previously laid-down base layer and cable.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a sterol metabolism enzyme. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the sterol metabolism enzyme, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the sterol metabolism enzyme in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming bristle sub-assemblies includes a vertically oriented slot, which is formed by two endless belts. A wheel disposed above the slot pushes a bristle string into the slot. The bristle string has a plurality of bristles connected to a base string in two rows. The bristle rows can be horizontally oriented, so that all of the bristles are co-planar in a horizontal plane, or they can be angularly oriented with the base string at the vertex of the angle. When the bristles are pushed into the slot, they bend to adopt a new, substantially parallel orientation. An ultrasonic heater heats the bent bristles to re-set the thermoplastic material from which the bristles are made so that after cooling, the parallel orientation is maintained.

Abstract: A process for producing a partially esterified SIPA such as an alkali metal sulfoisophthalic acid in a glycol is disclosed. The partially esterified SIPA in a glycol can be used to copolymerize with oligomer of terephthalic acid dimethyl terephthalate and a glycol. Also disclosed is a process for controlling the color of a dyeable polyester using a phosphorous compound. Further disclosed is a process for producing a dyeable polyester using a nickel or nickel alloy as surface metal or fluoropolymer surface in processing equipment.

Abstract: A method of treating a fabric or fabric blend to impart soil release properties is disclosed comprising application to the surface of the fabric or fabric blend of a copolymer composition comprising three monomers copolymerized in certain weight percentages wherein the hydrophilic and oleophobic properties of the treated fabric or fabric blend are varied by varying the relative amounts of the monomers employed.