Abstract: This disclosure describes single-use test cartridges, cell analyzer apparatus, and methods for automatically performing microscopic cell analysis tasks, such as counting and analyzing blood cells in biological samples. A small measured quantity of a biological sample, such as whole blood, is placed in a mixing bowl on the disposable test cartridge after being inserted into the cell analyzer. The analyzer also deposits a known amount of diluent/stain in the mixing bowl and mixes it with the blood. The analyzer takes a measured amount of the mixture and dispenses in a sample cup on the cartridge in fluid communication with an imaging chamber. The geometry of the imaging chamber is chosen to maintain the uniformity of the mixture, and to prevent cells from crowding or clumping as it is transferred into the imaging chamber by the analyzer. Images of all of the cellular components within the imaging chamber are counted and analyzed to obtain a complete blood count.

Abstract: Disclosed is a face mask for use with a sports helmet. The face mask comprises a frame which is sized and shaped to surround at least a portion of the face of a user, and is connectable to the helmet. A shielding member is connected to the frame, and has a plurality of wires arranged in a grid, which define a plurality of openings therebetween. At least a portion of the wires are made from high tensile strength transparent wires.

Abstract: A novel Bacillus thuringiensis strain deposited at the International Depository Authority of Health Canada in Winnipeg under accession number IDAC010201-5, its crystal gene having the sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 and crystal protein encoded by same having the sequence SEQ ID NO: 2 and uses thereof. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a novel Bacillus thuringiensis, novel cry31 protoxin and toxin, nucleotide sequences encoding same and anti-cancer therapeutic applications for the toxin.

Abstract: A novel Bacillus thuringiensis strain deposited at the International Depository Authority of Health Canada in Winnipeg under accession number IDAC010201-5, its crystal gene having the sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 and crystal protein encoded by same having the sequence SEQ ID NO: 2 and uses thereof. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a novel Bacillus thuringiensis, novel cry31 protoxin and toxin, nucleotide sequences encoding same and anti-cancer therapeutic applications for the toxin.

Abstract: Adiabatic RF pulses are very useful in MRI when precise flip angles are needed. Unfortunately, adiabatic pulses suffer from a long application time and a high SAR. A new concept to modify the usual adiabatic pulse into a “pseudo-adiabatic” pulse having a shorter application time and lower SAR is introduced. For example, a BIR-4 of 32 ms of application time and a relative SAR of 20 will be transformed into a BIR-4-S1 of 1 ms and relative SAR of 1. The new pulse obtained stays insensitive for a large B1 range but loses its slice selectivity to become a 3D pulse. Experimental results are presented to illustrate the sensitivity to B1 and B0.

Abstract: Adiabatic RF pulses are very useful in MRI when precise flip angles are needed. Unfortunately, adiabatic pulses suffer from a long application time and a high SAR. A new concept to modify the usual adiabatic pulse into a “pseudo-adiabatic” pulse having a shorter application time and lower SAR is introduced. For example, a BIR-4 of 32 ms of application time and a relative SAR of 20 will be transformed into a BIR-4-S1 of 1 ms and relative SAR of 1. The new pulse obtained stays insensitive for a large B1 range but loses its slice selectivity to become a 3D pulse. Experimental results are presented to illustrate the sensitivity to B1 and B0.

Abstract: An external gas-fired heater for heating a water/glycol fluid is comprised of a housing having a combustion chamber therein. The chamber has a coil through which the water/glycol fluid is circulated and heated by a cylindrical gas burner disposed inside the coil with the coil spaced thereabout. The housing is adapted for mounting outside a building to which the heated fluid is convected for heat exchange with heating devices contained within the building. A cover is removably secured to the housing for access to the internal heater devices and is equipped to convect air within the housing for the air-gas mixing blower. Quick connect couplings permit the housing to be easily removed and replaced, if necessary. The cover also provides ease of access to the heater devices for servicing or replacement.