Abstract: Disclosed is a method of administering an interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) antagonist to a subject to treat an autoimmune disease. In particular embodiments, the IL-2R antagonist is an anti-IL-2R monoclonal antibody specific for one or more chains of the IL-2R, such as the alpha-chain, for example daclizumab. In other particular embodiments the autoimmune disease is multiple sclerosis. In certain embodiments administration of interferon-beta is combined with administration of an antagonist of the IL-2R to provide significant clinical improvement in a subject with an autoimmune disease.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of administering an interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) antagonist to a subject to treat an autoimmune disease. In particular embodiments, the IL-2R antagonist is an anti-IL-2R monoclonal antibody specific for one or more chains of the IL-2R, such as the alpha-chain, for example daclizumab. In other particular embodiments the autoimmune disease is multiple sclerosis. In certain embodiments administration of interferon-beta is combined with administration of an antagonist of the IL-2R to provide significant clinical improvement in a subject with an autoimmune disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image-reconstruction technique which is used to view multiphase flows using electrical capacitance tomography (ECT), which is based on non-linear heuristic global optimization methods involving simulated annealing and genetic algorithms. The inventive method consists in obtaining electrical capacitance data which are measured between electrodes positioned on the outer surface of pipeline, well or tank (electrically-insulating) containing fluids. The aforementioned data are dependent on the distribution of the fluids inside the pipeline, well or tank. Moreover, the data are processed in order to reconstruct an image of the spatial distribution of the relative electrical permittivity (also known as the dielectric constant) inside the tube, well or tank, which reflects the distribution of the different phases present in the flow.

Abstract: The present invention provides solid alkaline fuel cells comprising anion exchange membranes which comprise diamines or polyamines coupled to a support polymer via a sulfonamide linkage. At least one nitrogen atom of the diamine or polyamine is a quaternized nitrogen atom acting as an anion exchange group. The anion exchange membrane exhibits favourable properties that render it suitable for use in a solid alkaline fuel cell.

Abstract: A method for treating a subject with multiple sclerosis is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method is provided for treating a subject with multiple sclerosis that includes administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an IL-21 receptor antagonist, wherein the subject has failed to respond treatment with beta interferon, thereby treating the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising: (A) from 50 to 95% by weight of a thermoplastic fluorocarbon resin, and (B) from 5 to 50% by weight of at least one functional siloxane elastomer at least partially grafted to the thermoplastic fluorocarbon resin, which is non-crosslinked and in which the grafted functional siloxane elastomer is at least 2.5% by weight, expressed with respect to the total weight of (A) plus (B) free from non-grafted functional siloxane elastomer. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of said composition and the use of said composition as compatibilizer or in mono- or multilayer structures.

Abstract: A variety of therapies are used to treat autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. However, there is no single therapy that can be used to treat all subjects. Thus, a method is provided to determine if a subject with an autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis, will respond to a therapeutic protocol. The method includes analyzing the expression of genes expressed by the immune system. Although the expression of a single gene can be assessed, such as interleukin-8, the methods include evaluating the expression profile of a subject using an array (such as a microarray) to determine if the subject is appropriately responding to the therapeutic protocol.

Abstract: The inventive composite gland sealing for the interlocking coupling of a housing end piece (8) comprising an anchoring groove (82), a plastic ring (14) and several locking inserts (20). Each locking insert (20) comprises a radially external head (30)provided with a first front projection (50, 52) applicable against the annular front surface (90) of the anchoring groove (82). The head (30) comprises a second frontal projection (52, 50) radially shifted from the first front projection (50, 52). Said invention is used for cast-iron pipe joint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of liquid-crystal displays (LCDs), and to processes for the recycling thereof. The processes according to the invention are characterised in that the LCDs are employed at least partly as replacement for other raw materials. In general, the LCDs are thermally treated here at a temperature in the range from 900 to 1700° C.

Abstract: A method for treating a subject with multiple sclerosis is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method is provided for treating a subject with multiple sclerosis that includes administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an IL-21 receptor antagonist, wherein the subject has failed to respond treatment with beta interferon, thereby treating the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel image-reconstruction technique which is used to view multiphase flows using electrical capacitance tomography (ECT), which is based on non-linear heuristic global optimization methods involving simulated annealing and genetic algorithms. The inventive method consists in obtaining electrical capacitance data which are measured between electrodes positioned on the outer surface of pipeline, well or tank (electrically-insulating) containing fluids. The aforementioned data are dependent on the distribution of the fluids inside the pipeline, well or tank. Moreover, the data are processed in order to reconstruct an image of the spatial distribution of the relative electrical permittivity (also known as the dielectric constant) inside the tube, well or tank, which reflects the distribution of the different phases present in the flow.

Abstract: A process for preparing a halogenated polymer in a medium comprising liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide, comprising a step involving the radical polymerization of at least one halogenated monomer and at least one step involving cross-flow filtration; and a cross-flow filtration device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for defining, implementing, deploying and/or executing Web services. A Web service is defined using a graphical interface that allows the application developer to specify the operation of the Web service through inclusion and configuration of graphical nodes representing particular operations and/or functions. The Web service definition can in some instances include standard functions and/or previously defined Web services. The environment for definition typically includes a user input device, a graphical display device, a system data store and a system processor. The system processor is in communication with the other elements. The user defines the Web service using an interface provided via the graphical display device. The user interacts with the interface using the user input device. The system processor receives the information from the user input device and updates the provided interface on the graphical display device accordingly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of administering an interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) antagonist to a subject to treat an autoimmune disease. In particular embodiments, the IL-2R antagonist is an anti-IL-2R monoclonal antibody specific for one or more chains of the IL-2R, such as the alpha-chain, for example daclizumab. In other particular embodiments the autoimmune disease is multiple sclerosis. In certain embodiments administration of interferon-beta is combined with administration of an antagonist of the IL-2R to provide significant clinical improvement in a subject with an autoimmune disease.

Abstract: The device for machining by electroerosion comprises an electrode-tool (EO) and an electrode-workpiece (EP) constituting the opposite poles of a working gap (GA) and an electrical circuit with a double voltage source (UD) connected to a supply network (A) arranged so as to produce erosive discharges between the electrode-tool (EO) and the electrode-workpiece (EP). This double voltage source (UD) comprises a first (U1) and a second (U2) voltage source connected galvanically to each other by their poles. This double source (UD) is connected to the working gap by at least four separate branches (B1 to B4) of which at least one comprises a self-induction element (LL, LL). Switching elements (SW1, SW2) permit producing by selective connection of the branches at least two increasing current slopes and at least two decreasing current slopes.

Abstract: An oxidation-protected brake disk is made of a fiber-reinforced ceramic material. A method of producing such a brake disk comprises applying at least one paint layer to a brake disk. In order to reduce damage to the brake disk under extreme thermal stress, the brake disk is provided with a layer of a highly temperature-stable paint that is viscous at the operating temperature of the brake disk.

Abstract: A device can indicate the total load of a brake disk made of carbon-fiber-reinforced ceramic material. In order to create such a device, which can be used for brake disks and other friction elements made of carbon-fiber-reinforced ceramic material, an indicator element can be provided in the brake disk starting from the friction surface. The oxidation stability of this indicator element is reduced with respect to the material of the brake disk.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the service life of a ceramic brake disk, in which the load of the brake disk is computed by way of the actual sensed braking and driving dynamic characteristics and is compared with a definable reference value for the service life.

Abstract: A method for treating a subject with multiple sclerosis is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method is provided for treating a subject with multiple sclerosis that includes administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an IL-21 receptor antagonist, wherein the subject has failed to respond treatment with beta interferon, thereby treating the subject.

Abstract: Process for the continuous preparation of halopolymers, comprising the radical-mediated polymerization of halomonomers in a medium comprising liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide in at least two mixed reactors under pressure in series. Halopolymers obtained.