Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to measure in vivo the effect of a drug on the function of the nerve cells of the brain of a patient suffering from a neurological disease, which comprises the steps of: a) measuring NAA signal intensity using MRS of the brain of the patient; b) subjecting the patient to a treatment with the drug to be tested and measuring NAA signal intensity using MRS of the brain of the patient; and c) comparing the spectra of steps a) and b) to determine whether the drug has an effect on the function of the nerve cells of the brain; whereby the increase in the NAA signal of step b) is indicative of a drug with a positive effect.

Abstract: In an eddy current testing probe, efficiency is improved by multiplexing, at the probe head, signals to and from a large number of coils on the probe head onto a reduced number of signal conductors, and by reusing coils in different measurement configurations in order to provide a higher density of inspection coverage.

Abstract: A vertical air blowing fan having an air filter is described. The vertical fan has an elongated housing provided with a foot support for maintaining the housing upright. The housing is provided with an air inlet opening and an air outlet opening. A cylindrical fan is provided in the housing for drawing ambient air in the inlet opening and out through the outlet opening in a substantially tangential path inside the housing to create a substantial airflow in an area outside the housing. A filter retention member secures a filter frame curved over and against the air inlet opening. The air filter membrane is removably engageable across the opening. The filter membrane is capable of holding its shape when held in position. The filter membrane is retained outwardly curved tight against the air inlet opening of the housing wall whereby the filter delineates a convex shape against the air being drawn into the inlet opening to resist deformation.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage composition has a hydrogenated state and a dehydrogenated state; in the hydrogenated state the composition comprises a metallic hydride having a metallic component which reversibly forms the hydride and a metallic heat transfer medium in intimate contact with the hydride which transfers heat to the hydride for dehydrogenation; in use hydrogen is liberated from the composition with transfer of heat to the heat transfer medium, the hydrogenated state may be regenerated by exposing the composition in a dehydrogenated state to hydrogen gas. In this way a source of hydrogen gas is provided which source may be regenerated.

Abstract: A surgical guiding instrument for use with a drilling tool and a bone engaging element, comprises a support on which the bone engaging element is adapted to be mounted for engaging a region of a bone to orient the support with respect thereto. The guiding instrument further includes a drill guide mounted to the support and defining a passage for guiding the drilling tool so as to prevent deviation of the drilling direction. The drill guide can be angularly adjusted relative to the bone engaging element in the plane of the support by simply sliding the drill guide on an arc of circle defined by the support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides directed to the human cyclin E gene for inhibiting its expression, and to a method for inhibiting cellular proliferation. The antisense oligonucleotides of the present invention have been designed from the 5′ and 3′-untranslated region of the cyclin E gene for inhibiting the expression of the cyclin E gene. These antisense oligonucleotides can be used for research purposes, diagnostics and treatment of disease. Methods for specifically modulating cyclin E expression in cells and tissues using the antisense oligonucleotides are disclosed. Methods for diagnosis, detection and treatment of pathologies involving cyclin E gene are disclosed.

Abstract: In the mechanical refining of wood chips to produce wood pulp, wood pulp quality is improved by employing low refining intensity at least in a final refining stage; the refining is carried out in a double disc refiner or a single disc refiner at rotational speeds that are lower than those conventionally employed, specifically at less than 1200 RPM in a double disc refiner and at less than 1500 RPM in a single disc refiner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing voice communications between two parties using computer controlled telephony hardware which is separate from the PSTN is described. The voice communications may be voice over Internet or PSTN voice connections, or any combination of the two. The apparatus includes a WEB server, a computer telephony server, a Voice over IP gateway and an operations, administration and maintenance server. The apparatus is suitably installed and operated by a service provider such as an Internet Service Provider. The advantage is unexcelled control over call setup, transfer and conference functions. A further advantage is the rapid, unfettered development of new services without compatibility issues with the PSTN.

Abstract: An automatic monitoring and display system for use with a digging machine in order to excavate holes having a predetermined depth and an excavation slope pitch from ground level to hole depth. The machine has a boom, a dipper stick connected to the boom and a bucket at the end of the dipper stick, all interconnected by three pivots. Only two sensors are used to detect the position of the bucket relative to a zero reference signal which is stored in a processor. The operator of the machine has a console whereby to select an excavation depth as well as a slope pitch angle and the console will display to him the hole depth and the percentage pitch on the slope as the excavation proceeds. The operator can reset his zero reference signal at any time from anywhere.

Abstract: A multiple-slide die-casting machine is equipped with improved mechanical structure and unique injection control system to improve the quality of molded products, to achieve flash free castings of improved surface finish. The clamping assemblies are mounted on one side of a base plate of the machine for applying clamping force to the mold sections in a preloaded state. A reinforcement ring interconnects the clamping assemblies to inhibit deflection of the base plate and the brackets which support the clamping assemblies so that an accurate parting line between the contacting surfaces of mold sections is insured.

Abstract: A basket for supporting equipment between a pair of laterally spaced-apart parallel overhead cables. The basket is provided in the form of a top open container insertable between the overhead cables. A carrying member engageable with a helicopter arm is provided for allowing the basket to be selectively transported between and away from the overhead cables. A pair of wing-like members extend laterally outwardly from opposed side walls of the container for resting on the overhead cables once the basket has been lowered to a suspended position between the overhead cables.

Abstract: A combination space and hot water heater is comprised of an inner tank having an outer casing spaced therebout with insulation being interposed between the casing and the inner tank. The inner tank has a glass-lined inner surface and a heater is provided within the inner tank for heating a same volume of water within the inner tank. An anode is provided within the inner tank. A closed water circulating circuit is connected to the inner tank for circulating hot water from the tank through heat exchange means connected in the closed water circulating circuit. Preferably, but not exclusively, the heat exchange devices are radiators.

Abstract: A sash pivot assembly, for supporting a window sash in sliding and pivotal displacement within a window frame, is comprised of a housing having a pivot rotor rotatively mounted therein. The pivot rotor has a slot comprising a spring clip defined by a U-shaped spring comprising lateral side arms having inwardly embossed portions, for snap-locking and snap-releasing engagement with a sash pivot.

Abstract: A shipping method which reduces the potential hazards during shipment of manganese dioxide. The manganese dioxide is transported in suspension in a liquid contained in a container. The manganese dioxide is maintained in suspension by continuously agitating the manganese dioxide slurry in the container during shipment.

Abstract: A variable power supply technique for use with a high efficiency line driver uses a signal peak amplitude to determine a start of a rise time for a power supply to begin supplying operating voltage to the line driver. This ensures that the voltage supplied to the line driver essentially tracks the output signal. A slew start delay circuit detects when the signal rises above a level that can be supported by a current power supply, and determines a variable delay for switching on a power supply to supply a higher voltage to the line driver. The advantages include reduced power usage, less heat dissipation, and the ability to select a primary power supply that outputs a lower voltage.

Abstract: Pulmonary edema in the lung is detected by exposing a lung under investigation to infrared radiation, especially near-infrared radiation; measuring the reflected radiation scattered by the lung as a spectral response to the presence of water in the lung; comparing the reflected radiation with calibrated values and evaluating occurrence of pulmonary edema from the comparison.

Abstract: A disposable sterile plastic bag includes a liquid receiving chamber which can be accessed upon removal of a tear off strip for introducing therein liquids, such as breast milk. The bag also includes a closure member to close the bag once filled with milk. The bag further includes indicia thereon for indicating the volume of milk in the bag, and an extension away from the chamber so that information about the milk can be provided, e.g. by writing, on the bag without danger of piercing the bag. Once opened, the bag can be attached to an outlet port of a breast pump such that pumped milk is conveyed directly and sterilely into the bag, and the bag can then be stored in sub-ambient temperature until ready to be fed to a baby, at which time the bag is opened, the closure is cut off from the bag and the bag is installed on, and used as a liner for, a bag holder which is provided with a cap and nipple and acts as a feeding bottle.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for imaging markings on cartridge cases. It provides for the taking of two images of the cartridge case with light for illumination projected at the cartridge case from two different predetermined angles. In a first version, two different light sources are set at the two different predetermined angles. In a second version, one light source is moved between two different positions to project light at the two different predetermined angles. In a third version, the device holding the cartridge case is rotated between two different positions so light projects at the cartridge case from the two different predetermined angles. In a fourth version, the holding device rotates the cartridge case between two different positions so that light projects at the cartridge case at the two different predetermined angles. In another aspect, the invention provides diffuse light for the taking of the images.