Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions of matter, and kits useful for augmentation of homing and engraftment of stem, progenitor and mature cells through modification of cellular membrane properties following ex vivo treatment. The methods, compositions, and cells may be used for the treatment of a wide variety of disorders in which augmentation of cell trafficking, homing and engraftment is desired.

Abstract: A system for automatically planning, booking and calendaring travel arrangements includes a data storage device, a booking engine, an output device and a processor. Maintained in the storage device is a database of user profile information. The processor receives a travel request input including travel request data gathered from a user's calendar application. The stored user profile information and the travel request data is used to automatically formulate a travel request in response to the travel request input. The travel request includes airline, hotel and rental car reservation information. A travel query file is automatically created from the travel request.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating apparatus (12) with automatic clearance adjustment for a vehicle hydraulic disk brake and includes a housing (14) having a base (16) and a shell (18) in which an open cylinder bore (20) is provided. For actuating the brake, a piston (24) is hydraulically displaceable in the bore. A mechanical actuating device for displacing the piston in the bore and for compensating lining wear comprises an expanding device (34) acting axially in a brake actuating direction and a length adjustable strut between the expanding device and the piston. The strut is formed by a first strut part (52) having a bolt shaped end, which is screwed into a second, substantially sleeve shaped strut part (54), which rests with a conical flange (68) against the piston. Between the bolt shaped end of the first strut part and the second strut part there is a cavity (90) which is to be filled with brake fluid and closed off in a fluid tight manner at one end.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating apparatus (12) with automatic clearance adjustment for a vehicle hydraulic disk brake and includes a housing (14) having a base (16) and a shell (18) in which an open cylinder bore (20) is provided. For actuating the brake, a piston (24) is hydraulically displaceable in the bore. A mechanical actuating device for displacing the piston in the bore and for compensating lining wear comprises an expanding device (34) acting axially in a brake actuating direction and a length adjustable strut between the expanding device and the piston. The strut is formed by a first strut part (52) having a bolt shaped end, which is screwed into a second, substantially sleeve shaped strut part (54), which rests with a conical flange (68) against the piston. Between the bolt shaped end of the first strut part and the second strut part there is a cavity (90) which is to be filled with brake fluid and closed off in a fluid tight manner at one end.