Abstract: The subject invention concerns truncated human IL-1 cDNA sequences which encode biologically-active novel human IL-1 proteins. These truncated human IL-1 cDNA sequences can be obtained by genetic engineering procedures using a clone of human IL-1 cDNA, having the accession number NRRL B-15770, as a starting material. The truncated human IL-1 cDNA sequences of the subject invention are contained in specified plasmids whose constructions are described in detail. Biologically-active human IL-1 proteins are useful to induce the production of IL-2 by activated T-cells. They also act on B-cells and NK-cells.

Abstract: The method of and apparatus for packaging units in flexible sheet material which is heat-sealable at least on one side, in which a web of the material is formed into a tube with an inside-face-to-inside-face longitudinal seam by bringing the side margins of the web into inside-face-to-inside-face engagement and pressing them together at a sealing station, and heating the inside faces of said margins as they converge toward one another and meet at the sealing station by directing a stream of hot gas against them. Transverse seals are formed across the tube at package length intervals with a unit to be packaged in the tube between successive transverse seals. The gas may be a preservative gas for preservation of the unit in each package. Additionally, preservative gas may be introduced into the tube downstream from said sealing station.