Abstract: The present invention provides a power supply suitable for a neon light, which power supply has a continuous output and a high power factor in excess of 0.9. The present invention does not require a front-end boost converter.

Abstract: Robust classification methods analyse magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) data (spectra) of fine needle aspirates taken from breast tumours. The resultant data when compared with the histopathology and clinical criteria provide computerized classification-based diagnosis and prognosis with a very high degree of accuracy and reliability. Diagnostic correlation performed between the spectra and standard synoptic pathology findings contain detail regarding the pathology (malignant versus benign), vascular invasion by the primary cancer and lymph node involvement of the excised axillary lymph nodes. The classification strategy consisted of three stages: pre-processing of MR magnitude spectra to identify optimal spectral regions, cross-validated Linear Discriminant Analysis, and classification aggregation via Computerised Consensus Diagnosis. Malignant tissue was distinguished from benign lesions with an overall accuracy of 93%.

Abstract: A control system for a multihead weigher for a combinatorial weighing system comprises a plurality of weighing modules each having a weighing bucket for receiving and weighing articles to be weighed, and a weighing module controller (e.g., a state machine) for controlling article weighing, discharge and refill operations of its associated weighing bucket. A central control unit (e.g., a PC) connected to the weighing module controllers over a low speed serial network issues at least one macro-command, such as “discharge and refill” to the weighing module controllers reducing the number of commands issued from central control unit to the weighing module controller which would otherwise occur without the macro-command. The weighing module controllers, in response to the at least one macro-command, perform the steps needed to effect the article weighing, discharge and refill operations. The control system has Internet connection capabilities.

Abstract: A control system for a multihead weigher for a combinatorial weighing system comprises a plurality of weighing modules each having a weighing bucket for receiving and weighing articles to be weighed, and a weighing module controller (e.g., a state machine) for controlling article weighing, discharge and refill operations of its associated weighing bucket. A central control unit (e.g., a PC) connected to the weighing module controllers over a low speed serial network issues at least one macro-command, such as “discharge and refill” to the weighing module controllers reducing the number of commands issued from central control unit to the weighing module controller which would otherwise occur without the macro-command. The weighing module controllers, in response to the at least one macro-command, perform the steps needed to effect the article weighing, discharge and refill operations. The control system has Internet connection capabilities.

Abstract: A cut cornered mixed-cut square gemstone comprises a step-cut crown, with two steps and a table, a girdle and a pavilion. The crown and pavilion are substantially square with four equal sides, and corners about ⅓ the length of the sides. The pavilion sides and corners are defined by eight rib lines which extend substantially continuously from the girdle to a culet. Each pavilion side and corner has four facets, including a lower girdle star facet, two lower girdle facets and a lower bezel facet. The gemstone has the classic elegance of a step cut in the crown and attempts to achieve the good dispersion of a brilliant cut in the pavilion.

Abstract: An ice bank chiller comprises a reservoir, a vertically extending cooling coil adjacent to a side wall of the reservoir, and an agitation pump for agitating water contained in the reservoir, the agitation pump being arranged to cause substantial circulation of the reservoir water adjacent to ice on both the upper and lower regions of the cooling coil in order to promote an even thickness of ice on the cooling coil. The agitation pump comprises an impeller rotatable within a pump housing, the housing being provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart pump outlets, through which streams of water are directed towards the ice on the upper region of the cooling coil (2).

Abstract: A modular backpack has four bags or units usable connected together by zippers or snaps or the like. The bags may also be used separately or in various subcombinations. The bags comprise a main bag with shoulder straps useable as a backpack, a middle bag connectable to the bottom of the main bag, and a lower bag connectable to the bottom of the middle bag or directly to the bottom of the main bag. The middle bag may be used alone or together with a lower bag as a waist bag. A purse is removably attached to the main bag.

Abstract: A dialysis system and method for removing toxic matter from the large intestine comprises an input tube, an output tube concentric with the input tube, both of which tubes are to be inserted in the large intestine an input pressure pump connected to deliver filtrate solution from an input container to the input tube, and an output suction pump connected to the output tube to remove filtrate solution. Pressure gauges control the input and output pumps so that an input pressure level of 75 mm Hg is not exceeded, and so that the output suction pump is disabled unless the input pressure level exceeds 45 mm Hg. A filtrate solution composition comprising a vasodilator of niacin, a high molecular weight protein in the form of casein, a mineral constituents and other components is also provided. The composition may be formed of electrolytes, buffers and a high molecular weight osmotic agent. The system and method may be adapted to treat shock.

Abstract: This invention provides a conjugate comprising Substance P, and analogs thereof, and Saporin. This invention provides a method of reducing the perception of pain by a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective dose of the pharmaceutical composition of the conjugate comprising Substance P, and analogs thereof, and Saporin, so as to reduce the perception of pain by the subject. This invention provides a method of selectively destroying NK-1 receptor expressing cells in a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective dose of the conjugate comprising Substance P, and analogs thereof, and Saporin so as to selectively destroy NK-1 receptor expressing cells. Lastly, this invention provides a method for treating a NK-1 receptor associated disorder in a subject, which comprises administering to the subject an amount of the pharmaceutical composition comprising Substance P, and analogs thereof, and Saporin thereby treating the disorder associated with the NK-1 receptor.

Abstract: An earring force tester for clip-on type earrings detects the spring force of an earring and provides a visual output signal including whether the spring force is above (too tight), below (too loose) or within an acceptable range of force. The output signals are different colored LEDs. The lower and upper boundaries of the range can be adjusted such as to calibrate the device.

Abstract: A cut cornered mixed-cut square gemstone comprises a step-cut crown, with two steps and a table, a girdle and a pavilion. The crown and pavilion are substantially square with four equal sides, and corners about 1/3 the length of the sides. The pavilion sides and corners are defined by eight rib lines which extend substantially continuously from the girdle to a culet. Each pavilion side and corner has four facets, including a lower girdle star facet, two lower girdle facets and a lower bezel facet. The gemstone has the classic elegance of a step cut in the crown and attempts to achieve the good dispersion of a brilliant cut in the pavilion.

Abstract: A modular backpack has four bags or units usable connected together by zippers or snaps or the like. The bags may also be used separately or in various subcombinations. The bags comprise a main bag with shoulder straps useable as a backpack, a middle bag connectable to the bottom of the main bag, and a lower bag connectable to the bottom of the middle bag or directly to the bottom of the main bag. The middle bag may be used alone or together with a lower bag as a waist bag. A purse is removably attached to the main bag.

Abstract: A dialysis system and method for removing toxic matter from the large intestine comprises an input tube, an output tube concentric with the input tube, both of which tubes are to be inserted in the large intestine an input pressure pump connected to deliver filtrate solution from an input container to the input tube, and an output suction pump connected to the output tube to remove filtrate solution. Pressure gauges control the input and output pumps so that an input pressure level of 75 mm Hg is not exceeded, and so that the output suction pump is disabled unless the input pressure level exceeds 45 mm Hg. A filtrate solution composition comprising a vasodilator of niacin, a high molecular weight protein in the form of casein, a mineral constituents and other components is also provided.

Abstract: A dialysis system and method for removing toxic matter from the large intestine comprises an input tube, an output tube concentric with the input tube, both of which tubes are to be inserted in the large intestine an input pressure pump connected to deliver filtrate solution from an input container to the input tube, and an output suction pump connected to the output tube to remove filtrate solution. Pressure gauges control the input and output pumps so that an input pressure level of 75 mm Hg is not exceeded, and so that the output suction pump is disabled unless the input pressure level exceeds 45 mm Hg. A filtrate solution composition comprising a vasodilator of niacin, a high molecular weight protein in the form of casein, a mineral constituents and other components is also provided.

Abstract: Myocardial revascularization is performed by an apparatus and method which forms channels in the myocardium from inside the ventricular cavity without penetrating the full thickness of the ventricular wall. A catheter has a fiber optic connected at its handling end to a laser, and terminates at the insertable end of the catheter. A servomotor controls the advancing of the fiber to stop positions relative to the catheter. At each stop position another channel is created. An aiming beam aids in directing the channel forming fiber end to different desired channel positions.