Abstract: A method for generating an in vitro cardiac tissue model. The method includes steps of: forming an elongated tissue by disposing a plurality of cardiomyocytes within a culture plate; culturing the tissue such that each end of the elongated tissue contacts one of a pair of attachment wires adhered to the culture plate; and electrically stimulating the elongated tissue in culture.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for producing patterns of sequence specific markers on a chromosomal segment. By comparing these patterns to those produced on a reference chromosome, various genetic abnormalities can be detected.

Abstract: Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with serum C-reactive protein levels are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of using these markers to predict the propensity for cardiovascular diseases and the time to first myocardial infarction.

Abstract: Dry microorganism cultures comprising at least one microorganism species in carrier-bound form are present in the form of particles which a) have a particle size of at least about 0.1 mm and b) are compressed; processes for preparing dry microorganism cultures and their use for preparing foodstuffs and feedstuffs are also claimed.

Abstract: A process for producing agglomerates with a core/shell structure, in which i) initial agglomerates containing a first particulate solid are prepared; ii) a second particulate solid is agglomerated in the presence of the initial agglomerates with the addition of a binder liquid to give second stage agglomerates and, where appropriate, iii) an nth (n≧3) solid is agglomerated in the presence of the (n−1)th stage agglomerates with the addition of a binder liquid to give nth stage agglomerates.

Abstract: Composite fibers useful for preparing diaphragms are prepared by (a) mixing a PTFE or PTFE copolymer dispersion or powder with a finely divided inorganic material and a fiber forming material, (b) shear heating the resulting mixture to a temperature at which sheared to PTFE or PTFE copolymer becomes flowable without showing signs of decomposition while removing the dispersion medium, if a PTFE or PTFE copolymer dispersion is used, (c) cooling the mixture to below 70° C., (d) mix shearing the mixture at below 70° C. to form composite fibers.

Abstract: A process for exploiting plastic wastes arising in the production or further processing or after use of the plastic, by, in a sewage treatment plant, comminuting the plastic wastes then mixing them with a sewage sludge to which organic flocculants are added with or without the addition of further amounts of finely divided coal and/or ash, if appropriate, modifying the surface properties of the plastic with binders in such a way that it binds better into the sludge, filtering the pretreated sludge mixture, where the plastic can assume the properties of a filtration aid, i.e. the filtering residue is reduced, incinerating the resulting filter cake, where the plastic assumes the function of an additional energy source and depositing the ash for example in a sanitary landfill or exploiting it.