Abstract: The disclosure relates to isolated microorganisms—including novel strains of the microorganisms—microbial consortia, and agricultural compositions comprising the same. Furthermore, the disclosure teaches methods of utilizing the described microorganisms, microbial consortia, and agricultural compositions comprising the same, in methods for imparting beneficial properties to target plant species. In particular aspects, the disclosure provides methods of increasing desirable plant traits in agronomically important crop species.

Abstract: An upper for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, includes at least one tape covering at least 50% of the upper. At least one tape portion includes a plurality of connected tapes. A further aspect relates to an upper for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, including at least one tape portion including a plurality of connected tapes. In some connected tapes, the tapes are zig-zag stitched to each other on their edges.

Abstract: An upper for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, includes at least one tape covering at least 50% of the upper. At least one tape portion includes a plurality of connected tapes. A further aspect relates to an upper for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, including at least one tape portion including a plurality of connected tapes. In some connected tapes, the tapes are zig-zag stitched to each other on their edges.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes useful for preparing 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP) inhibitors and their intermediates. In particular, processes for preparing 3-[3-(tert-butylsulfanyl)-1-[4-(6-ethoxy-pyridin-3-yl)benzyl]-5-(5-methyl-pyridin-2-yl-methoxy)-1H-indol-2-yl]-2,2-dimethyl-propionic acid, the anhydrous Form C polymorph of sodium 3-[3-(tert-butylsulfanyl)-1-[4-(6-ethoxy-pyridin-3-yl)benzyl]-5-(5-methyl-pyridin-2-yl-methoxy)-1H-indol-2-yl]-2,2-dimethyl-propionate, and intermediates useful in said processes are provided.

Abstract: Spray compositions and particularly anhydrous aerosol compositions containing particulate antiperspirant actives exhibit a tendency for nozzle blockage, impeding discharge of the contents when a polyol humectant, such as glycerol, is blended into its base composition. The problem is overcome or at least ameliorated by preparation of a base composition, suitable for employment in conjunction with a propellant, that contains a low molecular weight (liquid) polyethylene glycol (PEG) as humectant, and particularly a PEG of molecular weight 150 to 500.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine turbine stage has an annular row of turbine airfoils including a first plurality of first airfoils having a first chord length and a second plurality of second airfoils having a second chord length shorter than the first chord length. At least one of the second airfoils is circumferentially disposed between each adjacent pair of the first airfoils. A second leading edges of the second airfoils are located downstream of first leading edges of the first airfoils. The first and second airfoils have different first and second temperature capabilities respectively and the first temperature capability is greater than the second temperature capability. The first and second airfoils may be made from different alloys and/or the second airfoils may be constructed to use lower amounts of cooling airflow than the first airfoils. More than one of the second airfoils may be disposed between each pair of the first airfoils.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting skin darkening whilst inhibiting perspiration in the underarm which comprises incorporating into a antiperspirant composition comprising an astringent salt comprising an aluminium and/or zirconium salt, a triglyceride oil and optionally an active acid comprising an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, especially C6-C12 such as azelaic acid, an unsaturated C18 aliphatic carboxylic acid such as a linoleic acid or an hydroxybenzoic acid such as salicylic acid, at a ratio to said astringent salts, x:y, of 1:<4 in which x represents the weight concentration of said triglyceride oil plus 4 times the weight concentration of active carboxylic acid and y represents the weight concentration of said astringent salts. The composition can additionally comprise glycerol and/or a chelating agent for a transition metal.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions in the form of soft solids having in combination an improved resistance to syneresis and retained efficacy and which contain a particulate antiperspirant suspended in a water-immiscible carrier liquid structured by a structurant system are obtainable by employing as carrier liquid a mixture of a hydrocarbon oil and an aromatic ester oil in a weight ratio of from 1:2 to 15:1 and as structurant system from 5.5 to 20% in total of a di or triblock alkylene/arylene block copolymer and an organic wax in a weight ratio to each other of from 5:1 to 30:1.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine turbine stage has an annular row of turbine airfoils including a first plurality of first airfoils having a first chord length and a second plurality of second airfoils having a second chord length shorter than the first chord length. At least one of the second airfoils is circumferentially disposed between each adjacent pair of the first airfoils. A second leading edges of the second airfoils are located downstream of first leading edges of the first airfoils. The first and second airfoils have different first and second temperature capabilities respectively and the first temperature capability is greater than the second temperature capability. The first and second airfoils may be made from different alloys and/or the second airfoils may be constructed to use lower amounts of cooling airflow than the first airfoils. More than one of the second airfoils may be disposed between each pair of the first airfoils.

Abstract: A turbine includes three rows of airfoils which receive in sequence hot combustion gases during operation. The third row airfoils are clocked circumferentially relative to the first row airfoils for bathing the third row airfoils with relatively cool wakes discharged from the first row airfoils during the hottest running condition of the gas turbine engine being powered. The third row airfoils therefore avoid the hottest temperature of the combustion gases for reducing the cooling requirements thereof.

Abstract: A powdered rinse conditioner comprising a nonionic active water insoluble cationic active having the formula: ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 is independently selected from C.sub.1-4 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, or C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 alkenyl groups and wherein each R.sub.2 group is independently selected from C.sub.2-27 alkyl or alkenyl groups and n is an integer from 0 to 5 and relatively low levels of a long chain alcohol ethoxylate as a nonionic dispersion aid. The rinse conditioner exhibits good softening results when added directly to the wash liquor.

Abstract: A method of preparing a fabric softening material which comprises a quaternary ammonium material and at least one C.sub.8-28 alkyl or alkenyl group connected to the molecule via an ester linkage. The process comprises the step of reacting a base material with an alkyl or alkenyl group continuing material, such that at least one alkyl or alkenyl group is connected to the base material via an ester linkage. The reaction between the base material and the alkyl or alkenyl group containing material is carried out in the presence of more than 10 mole percentage excess of the alkyl or alkenyl group containing material to the base material. The excess material being effective to lower the pour point of the softener material.

Abstract: A fabric softening composition comprising a water insoluble cationic fabric softening agent and a nonionic stabilizing agent wherein the water insoluble cationic fabric softening agent is a quaternary ammonium material and the nonionic stabilizing agent is preferably selected from a predominantly linear C.sub.8 to C.sub.22 alcohol alkoxylated with 10 or more moles of alkylene oxide. The nonionic stabilizing agent may also be a C.sub.10 to C.sub.20 alcohol or mixtures thereof. For high temperature stability the nonionic stability agent is an alkoxylated alcohol having a clear phase at a 1% concentration in water somewhere in the range of 0.degree. C. and 45.degree. C. and a Krafft point of less than 30.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of preparing a fabric softening material which comprises a quaternary ammonium material and at least on C.sub.8-28 alkyl or alkenyl group connected to the molecule via an ester linkage, said method comprising the step of reacting a base material with an alkyl or alkenyl group containing material, such that at least one alkyl or alkenyl group is connected to the base material via an ester linkage, wherein the reaction between the base material and the alkyl or alkenyl group containing material is carried out in the presence of an excess of alkyl or alkenyl groups, said excess being effective to lower the pour point of the softener material.

Abstract: A fabric softening composition which comprises a water insoluble cationic fabric softening agent of formula (I) ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are selected from C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, or hydroxyalkyl groups or C.sub.2-4 alkenyl groups, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are independently selected from C.sub.7-27 alkyl or alkenyl groups; and n is an integer from 0-5 and X is methyl sulphate. The claimed fabric softening composition exhibits good stability on storage.

Abstract: A fabric softening composition comprising a water insoluble cationic fabric softening agent and a nonionic stabilizing agent wherein the water insoluble cationic fabric softening agent is a quaternary ammonium material and the nonionic stabilizing agent is preferably selected from a predominantly linear C.sub.8 to C.sub.22 alcohol alkoxylated with 10 or more moles of alkylene oxide. The nonionic stabilizing agent may also be a C.sub.10 to C.sub.20 alcohol or mixtures thereof. For high temperature stability the nonionic stability agent is an alkoxylated alcohol having a clear phase at a 1% concentration in water somewhere in the range of 0.degree. C. and 45.degree. C. and a Krafft point of less than 30.degree. C.

Abstract: A fabric softening material comprising an ester-linked amine compound and/or its corresponding quaternary ammonium compound of general formula I. ##STR1## where each R.sub.1 group is independently selected from C.sub.1-4 alkyl, alkenyl, or hydroxyalkyl groups; each R.sub.2 group is independently selected from C.sub.8-28 or alkenyl groups and n and m are integers from 1 to 5; such that the material has an Iodine value of between 5 and 24, preferably between 5 and 20. The invention also comprises an aqueous fabric softening composition containing the softening material.

Abstract: A powder progenitive of a rinse conditioner which is used to form an aqueous dispersion of a rinse conditioner. The conditioning dispersion is formed outside the washing machine shortly before it is to be added to the washing machine. It is preferred if the rinse conditioner contains a cationic active.

Abstract: A fabric treatment composition comprising(i) a polysiloxane textile treatment agent;(ii) a water-soluble nonionic cellulose ether having an HLB between 3.0 and 4.3, and a gel point of less than 58.degree. C. provided that the cellulose ether contains substantially no hydroxyalkyl groups containing 3 or more carbon atoms.