Abstract: The present invention relates to a retroviral vector encoding heterologous genes particularly for gene therapy of genetic defects or viral infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retroviral vector system comprising a packaging cell line that synthesize the core and enzymatic proteins of MLV virus from one or more gag and pol containing constructs and the envelope of MMTV virus from the same or an independent env containing construct, and to pseudotyped retroviral particles produced by culturing said retroviral vector system transfected with a MLV based retroviral vector, and isolation of said pseudotyped retroviral particles.

Abstract: A cam is provided having one or more end blades, each having a respective support surface to compress a corresponding end region of a tobacco rod, and one or more interposed blades, each having a respective support surface to comprise a corresponding intermediate region(s) between the end region(s) as the cam rotates. The lengths of the blades are varied to proportionately vary the density of the regions and the widths and thicknesses of the support surfaces are varied to proportionately vary the width and length of the regions. A tobacco rod, and ultimately a cigarette, is produced having intermediate compressed regions between compressed end regions.

Abstract: A cam is provided having one or more end blades, each having a respective support surface to compress a corresponding end region of a tobacco rod, and one or more interposed blades, each having a respective support surface to comprise a corresponding intermediate region(s) between the end region(s) as the cam rotates. The lengths of the blades are varied to proportionately vary the density of the regions and the widths and thicknesses of the support surfaces are varied to proportionately vary the width and length of the regions. A tobacco rod, and ultimately a cigarette, is produced having intermediate compressed regions between compressed end regions.

Abstract: An apparatus for wire drawing including a die and a rotatable block around which the wire leaving the die is arranged to be wrapped, a cooling means located between the die and the block for cooling the wire using a coolant and a wiping means for wiping substantially all the liquid coolant from the wire before it passes onto the block. The cooling means is in the form of an elongated chamber through which the wire is arranged to pass while in a substantially straight configuration and moving in the direction of its length. The chamber is provided with nozzles arranged to direct jets of the liquid coolant onto the straight moving wire and with a slot which extends longitudinally from one end of the chamber to the other.