Abstract: This invention relates to the use of biomarker LRG1 as a biomarker for preeclampsia for use from the first trimester. Elevated levels of leucine-rich alpha 2 glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) can predict risk for the future development of preeclampsia or other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The predictive test will comprise the measurement of LRG1 protein, peptide fragment, DNA or RNA, from either blood, plasma, serum, urine, saliva or amniotic fluid. The invention provides a method and a test kit to assess the risk of pre-eclampsia in pregnant woman. The method or test can utilise antibodies to measure levels of LGR1 in a sample.

Abstract: An articulated cervical spine and neck protection system for protecting the cervical spine and the soft tissues of the neck, and for reducing related injuries including concussion. The invention has been developed primarily for use in full combat scenarios, including weapons-based combat, and combat-training scenarios, including in the defence forces, for law enforcement, or in martial arts competition or training including those involving weapons. The articulated cervical spine and neck protection system comprises an articulated cervical shroud assembly that allows good movement while protecting the cervical spine and soft tissues of the throat and neck against risks commonly associated with full contact sports and real combat scenarios, including weapons-based combat.

Abstract: The present invention provides non-invasive intraoral devices and methods for the detection of intraoral acid exposure, methods of making said devices, and their use in the diagnosis of disorders such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus and method to capture an image of in-vivo tissue with automatic exposure control. For example, the method includes capturing image data on an image sensor and analyzing an indication of brightness of each pixel to determine whether the captured image data is saturated. When the image data is saturated, the method includes reducing the exposure period by a first increment, and repeating the capturing and analyzing steps until the captured image data is not saturated. When the captured image data is not saturated, in some embodiments, the method includes analyzing the indication of brightness of each pixel compared to a threshold indicative of use of a proportion of an available dynamic range of the image sensor, and when it is determined that the threshold has not been reached, increasing the exposure period by a second increment that has a magnitude relative to the first increment.

Abstract: A method, computer-readable storage device and apparatus for transmitting frequency division multiplexed targeted in-store advertisements are disclosed. For example, the method receives a plurality of advertisements from a third party entity, wherein each one of the plurality of advertisements targets one of a plurality of different demographics of customers for a retailer, frequency division multiplexes the plurality of advertisements into the electronic media package, identifies each one of the plurality of different demographics of customers is at the retailer for each one of a plurality of different time periods, and transmits the electronic media package and an instruction regarding which frequency to tune to for each one of the plurality of different time periods based on one of the plurality of different demographics of customers who is at the retailer during the each one of the plurality of different time periods.

Abstract: Disclosed is a draw-works and a method of operation. The draw-works includes a first drum configured to store and reel in an elongated hoisting member, such as a hoisting cable, a second drum configured to store and reel in the elongated hoisting member, and a rotation device configured to rotate the first and second drums, wherein at least one of the drums is selectively connectable to and disconnectable from the rotation device.

Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus and method to capture an image of in-vivo tissue with automatic exposure control. For example, the method includes capturing image data on an image sensor and analyzing an indication of brightness of each pixel to determine whether the captured image data is saturated. When the image data is saturated, the method includes reducing the exposure period by a first increment, and repeating the capturing and analyzing steps until the captured image data is not saturated. When the captured image data is not saturated, in some embodiments, the method includes analyzing the indication of brightness of each pixel compared to a threshold indicative of use of a proportion of an available dynamic range of the image sensor, and when it is determined that the threshold has not been reached, increasing the exposure period by a second increment that has a magnitude relative to the first increment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of the viable cells in an endodontic sample in or taken from an endodontic cavity in the tooth, such as the root canal, enables the rapid and low cost identification of the presence or absence of bacteria or other viable cell tissue in the endodontic space by first incubating a viable cell indicator with an endodontic sample for a pre-determined period suitable for chair-side test and then measuring and/or detecting a change in a parameter (e.g. fluorescence) associated with the viable cell indicator. Thereby, the required level of root canal treatment can be reached which minimizes the risk of re-infection without the time, cost and potentially harm of over-preparation and over treatment by the dental surgeon or of a re-treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a draw-works and a method of operation. The draw-works includes a first drum configured to store and reel in an elongated hoisting member, such as a hoisting cable, a second drum configured to store and reel in the elongated hoisting member, and a rotation device configured to rotate the first and second drums, wherein at least one of the drums is selectively connectable to and disconnectable from the rotation device.

Abstract: A method, computer-readable storage device and apparatus for transmitting frequency division multiplexed targeted in-store advertisements are disclosed. For example, the method receives a plurality of advertisements from a third party entity, wherein each one of the plurality of advertisements targets one of a plurality of different demographics of customers for a retailer, frequency division multiplexes the plurality of advertisements into the electronic media package, identifies each one of the plurality of different demographics of customers is at the retailer for each one of a plurality of different time periods, and transmits the electronic media package and an instruction regarding which frequency to tune to for each one of the plurality of different time periods based on one of the plurality of different demographics of customers who is at the retailer during the each one of the plurality of different time periods.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a canine vest, and a mounting system for mounting a device, such as camera, to the canine vest. The mounting system can include two mounting bases and a mounting plate. Each mounting base can include both a first attachment portion configured for at least partially securing the mounting base to the canine vest, and a second attachment portion configured for at least partially securing the mounting base to the mounting plate.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to a personal lighting device for use by a person or which can be releasably mounted to a dog collar, and which includes a light component releasably attached to a mount. The light component comprises an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion comprises an outer shell with an ergonomic grip and a polished protective lens. The outer shell houses a series of LED lights that can be arranged equidistant from one another. The lower portion comprises a base with locking features for removably attaching the light component to the mount. The mount includes a receptacle that is sized to receive the base of the light component, and a locking mechanism including locking elements that cooperate with the locking features of the light component, and a spring steel flexure to form a spring biased locking mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of the viable cells in an endodontic sample in or taken from an endodontic cavity in the tooth, such as the root canal, enables the rapid and low cost identification of the presence or absence of bacteria or other viable cell tissue in the endodontic space by first incubating a viable cell indicator with an endodontic sample for a pre-determined period suitable for chair-side test and then measuring and/or detecting a change in a parameter (e.g. fluorescence) associated with the viable cell indicator. Thereby, the required level of root canal treatment can be reached which minimizes the risk of re-infection without the time, cost and potentially harm of over-preparation and over treatment by the dental surgeon or of a re-treatment.

Abstract: A method of removing an adhesive resin from a dental tooth which method comprises contacting the dental tooth with a bioactive glass using an air abrasion system.

Abstract: An automated banking machine is provided. The automated banking machine may include a fascia in operative connection with a frame. The machine may include a plurality of hardware devices which are accessible through the fascia. The hardware devices may include a cash dispenser, receipt printer, and a card reader. The machine includes a frame in operative connection with a chest. A top panel and at least one side panel are slidably connectable with the frame. When a door of the frame is in the closed position, the top panel is not capable of being slid out of operative connection with the frame. When the top panel is in operative connection with the frame, the at least one side panel is not capable of being slid out of operative connection with the frame.