Abstract: An electronic controller having at least one microprocessor controls the solenoid operated valve adding oxygen to the breathing loop of a closed circuit mixed gas rebreather with carbon dioxide scrubbing in maintenance of an oxygen set point in the rage of 0.13-0.50 without any need for monitoring or interpretation of signal data by the operator. The controller receives signals from at least one oxygen sensor located in the breathing loop and sends signals to an indicator: visual, aural, or tactile; during operation providing only intuitively understood normal functioning, limited time remaining, and bail out indications. Automatic diagnosis including oxygen sensor calibration, indication of actions required such as scrubber replacement, and confirmation of an action taken with signals from an action sensor are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substituted diphenyl heterocycle compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof that inhibit replication of HCV virus. The present invention also relates to the use of the compounds and/or compositions to inhibit HCV replication and/or proliferation and to treat or prevent HCV infections.

Abstract: Compounds having the active site of natural lipoxins, but a longer tissue half-life are disclosed. In particular, 15-epi-lipoxins and their use in ameliorating undesired cell proliferation, which characterizes diseases such as cancer, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Aspirin (ASA) triggers a switch in the biosynthesis of lipid mediators, inhibiting prostanoid production and initiating 15-epi-lipoxin generation, through the acetylation of cyclooxygenase II.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for affinity viscosimetry and a viscosimetric affinity sensor on the basis of sensitive liquids with analyte-dependent viscosity which are localized within a perfusable dialysis chamber and contain colloidal constituents which are cross-linked by affinity bonds. The viscosimetric affinity sensor according to this invention is characterized by the spatial or temporal separation of analyte diffusion from the measurement of the flow resistance for such sensitive liquid flowing through a capillary, needle-like body or other liquid conductor, which integrated combination of a dialysis chamber with viscosimeter enables a researcher to make measurements under lab conditions that provide spatial separation of the dialysis process from the rheological analysis, as done under test conditions where the maximum shear rate of sensitive liquid in the viscosity sensor is at least twice that shear rate of sensitive liquid experienced in the dialysis chamber.

Abstract: A group or kit of surgical instruments (FIG. 26) for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. In one embodiment the invention is an instrument (10) with a generally central longitudinal axis and a generally toroidal surface generally transverse to the axis wherein the convex portion (20) of the surface does not extend beyond a line parallel with the longitudinal axis along an outer diameter of the instrument. The surface has a continuous edge (22) having a first end (24) at a shoulder (26) and a second end (28) at the shoulder (26), and spaced from the first end. In another embodiment the instrument has a working end (12) with a generally longitudinal axis, and the working end defined by a generally curved surface along the longitudinal axis wherein the curved surface has a concave portion, and a convex portion wherein the working end has a generally flat tip.