Abstract: A fire resistant siding system made up of combinations of preformed pumice concrete pieces that can be fastened to a typical internal building support structure through the use of traditional fastening materials such as nails or screws. These pumice concrete pieces are made of a concrete mixture that allows these items to be significantly lighter than other concrete products of a similar size, and can therefore be easily transported and connected to an internal building structure such as the framing studs of a house or other structure. These devices have a high resistivity to fire and are highly insulative, thus, providing fire protection to the occupants and items within a structure encased in these materials, as well as reducing the heating and cooling costs of these structures.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for increasing the survival of nucleated mammalian cells following drying and rehydration. The methods include introducing a disaccharide such as trehalose into said cells, optionally including heat shock proteins, apoptosis inhibitors, and arbutin, drying said cells, and rehydrating them. The invention further provides nucleated mammalian cells that have increased capacity to survive, divide and, in some cases, differentiate, following drying and rehydration. The cells comprise a disaccharide and one or more of the following: a heat shock protein, an apoptosis inhibitor, and arbutin.

Abstract: A microparticle contains DNA coding for a polypeptide and oral administration of the microparticle leads to its expression. DNA coding for an immunogen is for stimulating antibody formation in a recipient and DNA coding for a non-immunogenic polypeptide is for gene therapy applications. DNA is incorporated into the microparticle without destruction of its function.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing ceramic articles comprising two outer female moulds (22, 122; 24, 124), having co-operating mating faces (30, 130; 32, 132) and a male mould (34, 36, 160, 166) arranged, in use, to be disposed between the female moulds (22, 122; 24, 124), wherein the female moulds (24, 122; 24, 124) are arranged to be relatively movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the mating faces (30, 130; 32, 132) thereby permitting the female moulds (22, 122; 24, 124) to form a seal against the male mould (34, 36, 160, 166) and two corresponding parts of an article to be cast the male mould to be removed and the two parts to be joined.