Abstract: A genetically modified coccidian parasites wherein expression of phosphatidylthreonine synthase (PTS) is disrupted, a polynucleotide including a nucleotide sequence encoding a phosphatidylthreonine synthase (PTS) enzyme, which catalyzes the production of a lipid, phosphatidylthreonine (PtdThr). PtdThr is an exclusive, major and physiologically important lipid in selected coccidian parasites, which is required for a normal growth and virulence of coccidian parasites. Coccidian parasites, having the expression of PTS disrupted as described herein, are useful as vaccines. The phosphatidylthreonine synthase enzyme and the nucleotide encoding sequences thereof as well as the phosphatidylthreonine phospholipid can find use in diagnostic methods and diagnostic kits or in vaccine and drug development applications.

Abstract: A radial bearing disposed between transmission parts moving in opposition to one another at different speed, includes an inner sleeve for attachment to one transmission part and an outer sleeve; for attachment to another transmission part. Disposed between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve is a plurality of rolling bodies. At least one of the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve is provided with a coating which contains ZnNi or ZNFe and is applied galvanically onto the inner sleeve and/or outer sleeve before attachment to the respective transmission part.

Abstract: An upright immersion tube (92) is movable back and forth in its longitudinal direction between a takeover position in which a bushy plant (10) can be introduced into the immersion tube (92) and an immersed position in which the immersion tube is plunged through a spreader tube (40) into the vicinity of the bottom of a bag (12) which is being held open. The immersion tube (92) has a rear semi-tubular portion (96) with a hinged flap which is open in the takeover position but adapted to be moved into a closing position as the immersion tube (92) moves into the immersed position and, in said closing position, supplements the rear portion (96) so as to form a closed tube section. The spreader tube (40) has the profile contour of a ship's hull and engages between projecting bag edge zones (16) of a film web forming the bags (12) and being movable stepwise in the longitudinal direction of this contour.

Abstract: At least one binder means (40,42) for tying together projecting parts (T,W) of the plants (p) each held in a retainer (30) and at least one cutter means (44,46) for shortening projecting parts (T,W) of the plants (P) are arranged beside a conveyor (12) which comprises retainers (30) for a plant (P) each. Each retainer (30) includes at least one upwardly open fork (26,28) into which a plant (P) can be put and at least one bow (64) to press down the plant (P). Each bow (64) is pivotable about a transverse axis, is biased by a spring (73) in the sense of an opening movement, and is adapted to be locked in various closing positions by a ratchet mechanism (66,68). In a starting range of the conveyor (12) there is an actuating member (74) which acts on a control member (72) at each bow (64) so as to pivot it in closing direction. In a final range of the conveyor (12) there is a control member (80) for release of the ratchet mechanism (66,68).

Abstract: For baling shrubs or bushes, in particular rose bushes, the roots (12) of the plants (10) substantially freed from soil are embedded in a moisture-containing substrate (14) such as peat and provided with a sheath or envelope. For this purpose a hollow of wire grating (16) is formed which is then partially filled with substrate (14). Thereafter the roots (12) of the lying plant (10) are placed on the substrate (14). Further substrate (14) is then applied to the roots (12). Finally the wire grating (16) is deformed by bending two edges (24, 26) of the hollow together to form a tube and the edges (24, 26) of the wire grating (16) are fixedly connected together. A machine for carrying out this method comprises at least one trough (48) onto which the wire grating (16) can be placed. A ram (74) is shaped complementary to the trough (48) and adapted to be pressed into the latter to deform the wire grating (16 ) to a hollow.