Abstract: The present invention is concerned with methods for enhancing gene suppression in cells and in particular it is concerned with improved methods for enhancing RNAi-mediated gene silencing by manipulation of factors associated with RNAi. The present invention is also concerned with methods for identifying factors which down-regulate as well as those which up-regulate RNAi. It is also concerned with genetic constructs useful for enhancing or modulating gene silencing and cells harbouring such constructs.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and reagents useful in decreasing the level of or severity of respiratory infection or disease due to paramyxoviruses, such as RSV or HPIV, or coronavirus infection. Particularly, the invention relates to modulating gene expression using a multitargeting interfering RNA molecules that target multiple target sites on one or more pre-selected RNA molecules.

Abstract: Interfering RNA molecules are now designed and produced with specificity for multiple binding sequences present in distinct genetic contexts in one or more pre-selected target RNA molecules and are used to modulate expression of the target sequences. Such a multitargeting interfering RNA approach provides a powerful tool for gene regulation.

Abstract: Interfering RNA molecules are now designed and produced with specificity for multiple binding sequences present in distinct genetic contexts in one or more pre-selected target RNA molecules and are used to modulate expression of the target sequences. The multitargeting interfering RNA molecules have two strands that target multiple target sites on one or more pre-selected RNA molecules. Such a multitargeting interfering RNA approach provides a powerful tool for gene regulation.

Abstract: A known quartz glass crucible for crystal pulling consists of a crucible wall, having an outer layer which is provided in an external area thereof with a crystallisation promoter which results in crystallisation of quartz glass, forming cristobalite when the quartz glass crucible is heated according to specified use in crystal pulling. The aim of the invention is to provide a quartz glass crucible which has a long service life. As a result, the crystallisation promoter contains, in addition to a silicon, a first component which acts as a reticulating agent in quartz glass and a second component which is free of alkali metals and which acts as an agent forming separating points in quartz glass. The above mentioned components are contained and incorporated into a doping area (8) of the outer layer (6) having a layer thickness of more than 0.2 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of detecting a flight obstacle (28, 30, 32, 34) in the surroundings (50) of an aircraft (4), in particular for collision warning purposes, wherein images of the surroundings (50) are recorded, the flight obstacle (28, 30, 32, 34) is detected from the images and provided with an identification, and a signal (66, 68, 76) associated with the identification is outputted in a ground station (6). In order to guarantee a high level of certainty in respect to the control of the aircraft (4) which is effected automatically or by a ground control pilot it is proposed that detection and allocation of the identification are effected on board the aircraft (4) and the identification is sent to the ground station (6).

Abstract: A known quartz glass crucible for crystal pulling consists of a crucible wall, having an outer layer which is provided in an external area thereof with a crystallisation promoter which results in crystallisation of quartz glass, forming cristobalite when the quartz glass crucible is heated according to specified use in crystal pulling. The aim of the invention is to provide a quartz glass crucible which has a long service life. As a result, the crystallisation promoter contains, in addition to a silicon, a first component which acts as a reticulating agent in quartz glass and a second component which is free of alkali metals and which acts as an agent forming separating points in quartz glass. The above mentioned components are contained and incorporated into a doping area (8) of the outer layer (6) having a layer thickness of more than 0.2 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of detecting a flight obstacle (28, 30, 32, 34) in the surroundings (50) of an aircraft (4), in particular for collision warning purposes, wherein images of the surroundings (50) are recorded, the flight obstacle (28, 30, 32, 34) is detected from the images and provided with an identification, and a signal (66, 68, 76) associated with the identification is outputted in a ground station (6). In order to guarantee a high level of certainty in respect to the control of the aircraft (4) which is effected automatically or by a ground control pilot it is proposed that detection and allocation of the identification are effected on board the aircraft (4) and the identification is sent to the ground station (6).

Abstract: Known is a method of producing a quartz glass crucible in which a crucible base body is provided at least in part with an inner layer in which the formation of cristobalite is induced by using a crystallization promoter. On the basis thereof, in order to provide an inexpensive method of producing a quartz glass crucible with reproducible characteristics for long service lives, it is suggested according to the invention that the crystallization promoter and a reducing substance are introduced into the inner layer.

Abstract: Known is a method of producing a quartz glass crucible in which a crucible base body is provided at least in part with an inner layer in which the formation of cristobalite is induced by using a crystallization promoter. On the basis thereof, in order to provide an inexpensive method of producing a quartz glass crucible with reproducible characteristics for long service lives, it is suggested according to the invention that the crystallization promoter and a reducing substance are introduced into the inner layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for inhibiting the binding of OX40 and OX40L in smooth muscle cells to reduce inflammatory responses in smooth muscle containing tissue.

Abstract: To facilitate the start of a process using a quartz glass crucible with a crucible body and an inner layer of quartz glass a quartz glass crucible is provided with an inner surface roughened at least in the starting zone region by multiple depressions disposed at a maximum distance of 5 mm from one another. Furthermore, a simple and inexpensive process for the manufacture of such a quartz glass crucible is described, by providing a crucible body with a smooth inner surface of quartz glass and subsequently roughening the inner layer in the starting zone region by multiple depressions disposed at a maximum of 5 mm from one another.

Abstract: Known is a method of producing a quartz glass crucible in which a crucible base body is provided at least in part with an inner layer in which the formation of cristobalite is induced by using a crystallization promoter. On the basis thereof, in order to provide an inexpensive method of producing a quartz glass crucible with reproducible characteristics for long service lives, it is suggested according to the invention that the crystallization promoter and a reducing substance are introduced into the inner layer.

Abstract: A secure transaction method and system is disclosed to allow for goods or services to be paid for using a limited use credit card number. A limited use credit card number is generated by a customer using a number generating device. The number and user identification information is sent to a validation apparatus to validate the generated number against the user identification information. If the validation process is successful, the limited use credit card number is stored to be used for later transaction authorisation. The successfully validated limited use credit card number is then used in a transaction authorisation process to obtain authorisation for a transaction. The validation apparatus receives a limited use credit card number in a request to authorise the transaction, compares the received number with stored numbers, and authorises the transaction in dependence upon the outcome of the comparison.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an in vivo system for gene expression and, more particularly, to the use of the system to screen for molecules which are capable of inhibiting, reducing, altering or otherwise modulating expression of a target nucleotide sequence or the activity of a gene product. The in vivo system of the present invention is particularly but not exclusively useful for screening for antisense, sense or ribozyme constructs or transdominant polypeptides, small peptides or other chemical compounds that are capable of inhibiting, reducing, altering or otherwise modulating expression of target genes or target genetic sequences or the activity of target gene products of commercial importance such as in medical, agricultural and industrial fields.