Abstract: A polypeptide-dimer comprising two soluble gp130 molecules is described, wherein at least one of said soluble gp130 molecules is covalently linked to polyethylene glycol. Furthermore, a pharmaceutical composition containing said dimer and various medical uses are described.

Abstract: In a method for compensating an oscillation which has a frequency spectrum with a number of discrete frequency components in a printing press, at least one counter torque is introduced into the printing press in order to compensate for at least one discrete frequency component of the oscillation. A first group of one or more frequency components are compensated for by introducing one or more previously determined counter torques, and a second group of one or more frequency components is compensated for by introducing specific counter torques as a function of a measurement, carried out during the operation of the printing press, of at least one signal which contains at least the one or the plurality of frequency components.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus control a printing press having a plurality of printing units, a plurality of cylinders which are coupled mechanically to one another and a control computer for controlling at least one drive motor which drives the mechanically coupled cylinders. A torsion model is stored in the machine computer for describing the torsion state of the cylinders in the printing press which are rotatably coupled mechanically to one another, as a function of at least one measurable operating parameter or at least one variable of the printing press which is known to the machine computer. A control of the printing press is performed by the control computer on the basis of the values which are calculated by the torsion model.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical data carrier which combines a CD layer with at least one further format, such as a DVD layer for example. If a hybrid data carrier of this kind is to be produced in a thickness of less than 1.7 mm, and preferably in a thickness of 1.5 mm or less, then, seen from the surface which is to be read from, the CD layer will normally be situated at a depth of considerably less than 1.1 mm, and the CD substrate therefore has to be thinned down. The quality of the reading signals obtained is increased by increasing the length of the optically readable structures of the CD layer in comparison with the values which are usual in this case. Because of the difficulties which certain CD players have in focussing when the substrates are thin, the refractive index of the disc material used is reduced from the figure for polycarbonate, at least in the case of the CD substrate, the recommended range being between 1.40 and 1.55.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double-sided optical data carrier that contains, on the two sides, data in different logic and/or physical formats. One side conforms to the standard specification of a Super Audio CD (SACD), whereas the second side contains data in a format that differs therefrom and is preferably DVD-Video and/or DVD-Audio. The invention makes it possible for example for a hybrid SACD/DVD-Audio to be introduced, on which one side contains music for SACD players whereas the other side is compatible with DVD-Audio players. In addition, a hybrid SACD/DVD-Video can be produced that, on the SACD side, contains music in a high-resolution format, whereas the DVD-Video side mixes music and video, something which, to the inventor, seems essential for a broad spectrum of music (video clips for rock/pop, live video of jazz, music videos of operas, musicals and ballets, live recordings of concerts, etc.).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying a compound capable of modulating the action of the DLG5 protein which method comprises subjecting one or more test compounds to a screen comprising a polypeptide containing the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, or a homologue thereof or a fragment of either. Such compounds may be useful in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. The present invention also relates to a method for diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease by detecting variant DLG5.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of identifying a compound useful for treatment of IBD which comprises assaying the compound for its ability to modulate the activity or amount of 3OST4. The assay is selected from measurement of 3OST4 activity using a cell line which expresses 3OST4 or using purified 3OST4 protein, and measurement of 3OST4 transcription or translation in a cell line expressing 3OST4. The invention also provides a method of preparing a pharmaceutical composition, a diagnostic method for the determination of susceptibility to IBD, a method for the diagnosis of IBD or a predisposition thereto and use of a compound able to modulate the activity or amount of 3OST4 in preparation of a medicament for the treatment of IBD.

Abstract: A method for controlling a drive (3) of a first subsystem of a printing press (1) which is mechanically decoupled from a second subsystem of the printing press (1). In the method, a motion sequence is determined for the second subsystem in advance, the motion sequence being used as a reference curve for controlling the drive (3) of the first subsystem.

Abstract: A method for controlling a drive (3) of a first subsystem of a printing press (1) which is mechanically decoupled from a second subsystem of the printing press (1). In the method, a motion sequence is determined for the second subsystem in advance, the motion sequence being used as a reference curve for controlling the drive (3) of the first subsystem.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting non-responders to anti-TNF therapy comprising testing an individual for homozygosity for a single nucleotid polymorphism in the gene coding for the TNF Receptor II. Monoclonal antibodies against TNF-&agr; (infliximab) represent a new treatment for steroid refractory Crohn's disease that result in a remission rate of 30-50% after 4 weeks. Known single nucleotid polymorphisms within the TNF Receptor I and TNF Receptor II were tested for association with the response to the therapy. It was found that individuals homozygote for the mutated allele arginine at amino acid position +196 in the TNF Receptor II or the mutated allele in exon 2 at amino acid position 56 did not respond. Polymorphisms in exon 2 was newly found. None of the individuals homozygote for the mutations in exons 2 or 6 responded. The mutation in exon 2, although a silent mutation, can be used as a marker because it is in a high linkage disequilibrium with the mutation in exon 6.

Abstract: A membranophone includes a principal skin or head skin and a secondary skin as well as a skin tightening device and/or tuning device. The skin tightening and/or tuning device includes rod-shaped tightening elements at least for the head skin, wherein the tightening elements are arranged uniformly distributed over the outer circumference of the resonator shell of the membranophone, and wherein the tightening elements are supported by support members fastened to the resonator shell, on the one hand, and the tightening elements adjustably act through threaded members on the tightening hoop for the skin or skins, on the other hand. Damping members are arranged between the support members and the resonator shell or kettle. The skin or skins are held by winding hoops and can be tightened and, thus, tuned by means of the winding hoops and the tightening hoops relative to the opening rim of the resonator shell.