Abstract: A pressure vessel sight glass, especially a tempered glass, is protected against the corrosive attack of normally alkaline, boiler feed water heated up to 300.degree. C., by providing the sight glass with a metallic oxide coating consisting essentially of SnO.sub.2, optionally combined with Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3. The coating is preferably applied as a sprayed solution of soluble salt convertible to the oxide.

Abstract: The invention provides a grain refinement method for copper-based metals, which method can be applied to a range of different types of such metals. In accordance with the method, one arranges that a melt of the metal to be grain refined contains each of the following components:(a) titanium and/or zirconium;(b) at least one of: lithium, sodium, potassium, beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium and barium;(c) at least one of: scandium, yttrium, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, manganese, technetium, rhenium, iron, ruthenium, osmium, cobalt, rhodium, iridium, nickel, palladium, platinum, silver, gold, zinc, cadmium, mercury and the rare earth elements; and(d) at least one of: aluminium, gallium, indium, silicon, germanium, tin, lead, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, bismuth, sulphur, selenium and tellurium;and solidifies the melt to produce grain refinement of the copper-based metal. The invention also provides grain refiners for practicing the method.

Abstract: Isolation and characterization of a gene which activated nitrogen fixation genes of Rhizobium meliloti when that bacterium is in a symbiotic relationship with a plant is disclosed. This newly discovered gene, designated fix D, can activate the nifHD promoter. A method of making this inducible gene constitutive is presented. This is useful for making nifHD constitutive. The combination of the fixD promoter with heterologous structural genes is taught. Such combinations are useful for limiting expression of an encoded protein to rhizobia involved in a symbiotic relationship with a plant. Plasmids and methods useful in performance of this invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Skin care preparations and methods are disclosed which contain an effective amount to smooth the skin or reduce scale, of a uronic acid or derivative thereof and particularly a uronic acid urea condensate.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of psoriasis comprising administering an anti-psoriasis effective amount of an antagonist of the growth hormone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the fluidity of a liquid such as blood or serum having the steps of drawing the liquid from the source through a capillary tube measuring cell into a reservoir unit and returning the liquid back through the tube at a constant flow velocity while measurements are made. The pressure difference between the ends of the capillary tube are directly related to the viscosity of the liquid.