Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for evaluating biological effects in a substance which method comprises sampling the substance, subjecting the sample to an assay in the presence of a biosensor engineered with a gene which expresses a light emitting protein and noting the light output; characterized in that the biosensor is eukaryotic and the substance is assayable over any pH between pH1 and pH12. Such a eukaryotic sensor may be derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and is useful in assaying potable waters.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for protecting whole eukaryotes or parts thereof from an invasive attack from an invasive agent which comprises, selecting a prokaryotic bacterium which is capable of forming an L-form association with a host eukaryote and introducing an L-form bacteria into said host, wherein the bacteria is also selected to be antagonistic to the invasive agent. This process allows the protection of plants and plant parts against invasive organisms with which they have not already had contact.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immortalized insulin producing human &bgr;-cell which may be rendered glucose responsive by suitable bioengineering methods. The invention also provides a method for producing an immortalized glucose responsive insulin producing human &bgr;-cell comprising the steps of selecting an unregulated immortalized human insulin secreting &bgr;-cell, transecting said selected cell line with elements for the genetic control of glucose responsiveness and proliferating said transfected &bgr;-cell accordingly.

Abstract: The invention provides a ground sensing system (10) comprising: sensing means (19) located, in use, on a projectile being driven through ground by means of apparatus having a self adjustment between a vibration mode and a vibro-impact mode according to encountered ground resistance, the sensing means sensing the dynamic resistance of the ground that the projectile is passing through; signal processing means for processing the output of said sensing means to provide a dynamic resistance waveform (106); and waveform recognition means (108) for correlating said dynamic resistance waveform with stored dynamic waveforms for identifying a ground characteristic. The waveform recognition means may comprise a neural network system.

Abstract: An ophthalmoscope is disclosed comprising mirrors to generate a raster scan of laser light, and detect reflections of such light from the fundus of a patient's eye. The laser light originates from sources of at least three distinct wavelengths and is mixed to provide a single beam that, for each resolvable picture element of the raster scan, assumes in sequence each of the wavelengths. The reflected light is used to generate a multi-colored image of the fundus.

Abstract: A moling apparatus comprises a housing having a head for penetrating ground, an anvil in the housing connected to the head, and a hammer in the housing and spaced therefrom by a spring. A vibrator unit is spaced from the hammer and arranged to transfer vibration to the housing and the hammer. In a first mode of the apparatus, vibration transmitted to the housing causes fluidization of the surrounding ground to allow progressive penetration of the apparatus. In a second mode, the braking effect of the ground on the head causes the hammer to move against the spring and impact the anvil thereby driving the head through the ground, the apparatus being operable at or between each mode.

Abstract: An intraosseous device having an elongated shaft and handle with a syringe attached to the shaft is disclosed. The syringe can be filled with an intraosseous liquid suspension which is made of a hydroxyapatite, a carbonated apatite, a calcium ion source, and a hormone mixture. The shaft includes a frusto-conical connector for releasable interconnection with cortical bone, and the handle facilitates turning the shaft to interconnect it to the bone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the condition of a ground anchorage including a tendon arranged in a bore in a group formation at a site is characterized by detecting the vibrational response signature of the anchorage to an impulse load. The vibrational response signature to the impulse is recorded and compared with a reference signature from which any changes in the integrity of the anchorage can be determined.

Abstract: An analgesic anaesthetic composition comprising up to 50% v.backslash.v nitrous oxide, the balance being oxygen and another respirable gas; characterized by the addition of an analgesically effective amount of an ether-based analgesic anaesthetic disposed in a single container above its pseudo-critical temperature at a pressure of up to 2000 psi, thereby to form and maintain a homogenous analgesic composition.

Abstract: The invention provides a thermocouple device comprising a base wire 1 and a plurality of junctions 3 spaced along said wire, each of said junctions being connected to a monitoring means which provides a visual indication of the temperature at each junction 3. A heating coil 2 or energy absorbative material may be disposed along the length of the base wire 1 to assist in detection of liquid flow, ultrasonic flux or bubble presence.

Abstract: An ultrasound hyperthermia unit for the treatment of a target tissue, includes an ultrasound transducer array (1) angled to direct sonic energy toward a target (8), wherein the array (1) comprises a plurality of divergent transducers (2) arranged radially of a central axis to provide a coherent treatment field about a central axis.Temperature sensing means (10) may be operatively associated with the array and adapted to provide an output signal indicative of temperature values adjacent a target tumour, said signal being utilized to control the output of the transducers.A liquid bath (5) may be provided for being located between the array (1) and the skin (14) of a patient, said liquid bath being adapted to warm or induce local hyperthermia in the skin surface. The divergent array, when associated with a water bath, allows a particularly effective treatment of physiotherapeutic conditions or neoplastic tissues without causing collateral damage.