Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the controlled intracellular delivery of nucleic acid molecules into one or more target cells, in particular tumor cells, the method comprising: providing a polymeric complex formed between one or more nucleic acid molecules to be delivered and one or more cationic carrier molecules, wherein at least a part of the one or more carrier molecules in the polymeric complex are covalently attached to hydroxyalkyl starch, and wherein the hydroxyalkyl starch is shielding the polymeric complex; allowing the shielded polymeric complex to get into contact with the one or more target cells; deshielding the polymeric complex by removing the hydroxyalkyl starch; and allowing the deshielded polymeric complex to internalize into the one or more target cells. Removal of the hydroxyalkyl starch can be accomplished enzymatically by exposing the polymeric complex to amylase.

Abstract: A support bracket assembly for an upright computer casing (12) is provided in which an operatively generally horizontal support platform (1) is supported at the lower end of a lower upright suspension member (2) and an upper operatively upright suspension member member (3) forming together with the lower suspension member a composite suspension member has an attachment unit (4) at its upper end for attachment to a desk (5) or the like. One suspension member is of generally squat tubular configuration receiving the other of the elongate suspension members telescopically therein. Preferably, the outer suspension member has two oppositely disposed series of formations (11) spaced apart in the direction in which the platform extends from the suspension members and both are that engaged simultaneously by stop means (6) associated with the inner suspension member. The stop means is preferably and upright rotatable worm gear (6).

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique non-viral carrier for nucleic acid delivery in vitro and in vivo, and methods of using thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method by means of which it is possible, with highest possible precision and without any major expense, to determine the air tightness of an enclosed space, such space being particularly well suited to the use of the inert-gas fire extinguishing technology described above. Specifically, it introduces a method which, on demand and in effective yet easy-to-implement fashion, permits at any time the updated determination of the existing air tightness of the enclosed space without requiring a complex test series. To that effect, the first step according to the invention is to define a concentration gradient between the internal air atmosphere of an enclosed space and the ambient air atmosphere by setting the physical concentration of at least one constituent component of the space-internal air atmosphere, in particular of oxygen, at a value that differs from the physical concentration value of that minimum of one corresponding component in the ambient air atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing the total organic carbon (TOC) content of waste water in the course of the preparation of concentrated solutions or suspensions of anionic organic compounds, which method comprises increasing the concentration of an aqueous solution or suspension of an anionic organic compound in the form of its free acid or its alkali metal salt, having a salt content of less than 5% of extraneous salt by weight based on the total solution or suspension, by microfiltration, ultrafiltration and/or nanofiltration, a) the membrane pore size being so selected that compounds having molecular weights in the range from 300 to 1000 Daltons or higher are retained, and b) the content of anionic compound in the concentrate being so adjusted to from 10 to 50% by weight that the total organic carbon (TOC) content of the permeate is less than 0.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique non-viral carrier for nucleic acid delivery in vitro and in vivo, and methods of using thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the oxygen content in a closed target space, particularly for monitoring inertization levels in an inert gas device for fire prevention and/or fire extinguishing. Toward the aim of proposing a method for measuring the oxygen content in a target space with which an effective, certain, and representative determination of the oxygen concentration can be achieved for an optimally small expenditure in instrumentation and signal processing, the method provides that air samples are drawn from the target space and the oxygen concentration of the air samples is determined. An apparatus is equipped with a suction pipe system for sucking the air sample from the target space through various holes so that it can carry out the method.

Abstract: A device for the prevention and extinguishing of fires is specified having the objective of providing an inert gas fire extinguishing system which is configured in accordance with the invention such that no breaches to ceilings or walls need be made when mounting the supply line system (4) during installation of the fire extinguishing system in a target area (1), and also having the further objective of dispensing with separate storage areas for the pressurized oxygen-displacing gas (3) used as extinguishing agent, wherein a buffer reservoir (2), the supply line system (4) and extinguishing nozzles (5) are arranged as a compact modular unit right within target area (1) itself.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the oxygen content in a closed target space, particularly for monitoring inertization levels in an inert gas device for fire prevention and/or fire extinguishing. Toward the aim of proposing a method for measuring the oxygen content in a target space with which an effective, certain, and representative determination of the oxygen concentration can be achieved for an optimally small expenditure in instrumentation and signal processing, the method provides that air samples are drawn from the target space and the oxygen concentration of the air samples is determined. An apparatus is equipped with a suction pipe system for sucking the air sample from the target space through various holes so that it can carry out the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing the total organic carbon (TOC) content of waste water in the course of the preparation of concentrated solutions or suspensions of anionic organic compounds, which method comprises increasing the concentration of an aqueous solution or suspension of an anionic organic compound in the form of its free acid or its alkali metal salt, having a salt content of less than 5% of extraneous salt by weight based on the total solution or suspension, by microfiltration, ultrafiltration and/or nanofiltration, a) the membrane pore size being so selected that compounds having molecular weights in the range from 300 to 1000 Daltons or higher arc retained, and b) the content of anionic compound in the concentrate being so adjusted to from 10 to 50% by weight that the total organic carbon (TOC) content of the permeate is less than 0.

Abstract: The invention relates to a genetic unit, optionally present as a multiple-copy, for inhibiting RNA. The unit contains the transcription units necessary for transcription by polymerase III and a DNA coding for inhibiting RNA, which is arranged within the unit in such a way that the transcribed RNA is part of the polymerase III transcript. Using these units it is possible to achieve increased stability of the inhibiting RNA, which may occur in the form of ribozymes or antisense-RNAs, whilst maintaining an undiminished activity. The invention further relates to a process for introducing the genetic units into the cell, the use of these units and pharmaceutical preparations containing them.

Abstract: Complexes of nucleic acid and polyethyleneimine (PEI), wherein PEI is modified with a hydrophilic polymer covalently coupled thereto, such as polyethyleneglycol, and processes for preparing them. A cellular ligand such as transferrin is optionally coupled to PEI. The complexes may be used for preparing pharmaceutical compositions for transferring therapeutically effective genes into mammalian cells.

Abstract: New protein-polycation conjugates which are capable of forming soluble complexes with nucleic acids contain as their protein component an antibody directed against a cell surface protein, with the ability to bind to the cell surface protein so that the complexes formed are absorbed into cells which express the cell surface protein and are expressed therein. Complexes for use in pharmaceutical preparations contain a therapeutically or gene therapeutically active nucleic acid.

Abstract: Complex of DNA, containing one or more DNA molecules coding for one or more therapeutically active proteins with a cytotoxic activity, and a polycation conjugated with transferrin with a zeta potential of ≦+15 mV. The complex, in which a high transferrin content screens the positive charge, produces a targeted transportation of the therapeutic DNA to the tumors in the systemic treatment of tumor diseases.

Abstract: New protein-polycation conjugates are capable of forming soluble complexes with nucleic acids or nucleic analogs. The protein portion of these conjugates is a protein capable of linking with a cellular surface protein expressed by cells of the T-cell lineage, so that the complexes thus obtained are absorbed by cells which express the T-cell surface protein. Complexes useful in pharmaceutical compositions contain a therapeutically or gene therapeutically active nucleic acid.

Abstract: The invention concerns an injection moulding tool which includes at least two mould halves and/or mould inserts which can be closed by a force acting from the outside.

Abstract: A composition for the transfection of higher eucaryotic cells, comprising complexes of nucleic acid, a substance having an affinity for nucleic acid and optionally an internalizing factor, contains an endosomolytic agent, e.g. a virus or virus component, which may be conjugated. The endosomolytic agent, which is optionally part of the nucleic acid complex, is internalized into the cells together with the complex and releases the contents of the endosomes into the cytoplasm, thereby increasing the gene transfer capacity. Pharmaceutical preparations, transfection kits and methods for introducing nucleic acid into higher eucaryotic cells by treating the cells with the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: Complexes of nucleic acid and polyethyleneimine (PEI), wherein PEI is modified with a hydrophilic polymer covalently coupled thereto, such as polyethyleneglycol, and processes for preparing them. A cellular ligand such as transferrin is optionally coupled to PEI. The complexes may be used for preparing pharmaceutical compositions for transferring therapeutically effective genes into mammalian cells.

Abstract: A composition for the transfection of higher eucaryotic cells, comprising complexes of nucleic acid, a substance having an affinity for nucleic acid and optionally an internalizing factor, contains an endosomolytic agent, e.g. a virus or virus component, which may be conjugated. The endosomolytic agent, which is optionally part of the nucleic acid complex, is internalized into the cells together with the complex and releases the contents of the endosomes into the cytoplasm, thereby increasing the gene transfer capacity. Pharmaceutical preparations, transfection kits and methods for introducing nucleic acid into higher eucaryotic cells by treating the cells with the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition for the transfection of higher eucaryotic cells, comprising complexes of nucleic acid, a substance having an affinity for nucleic acid and optionally an internalizing factor, contains an endosomolytic agent, e.g. a virus or virus component, which may be conjugated. The endosomolytic agent, which is optionally part of the nucleic acid complex, is internalized into the cells together with the complex and releases the contents of the endosomes into the cytoplasm, thereby increasing the gene transfer capacity. Pharmaceutical preparations, transfection kits and methods for introducing nucleic acid into higher eucaryotic cells by treating the cells with the composition are also disclosed.