Abstract: New methods for diagnosis and treatment of human dormancy syndrome-related sequellae are provided. Human dormancy syndrome (HDS) is characterized by elevated serum ratio of rT3/fT3 compared to a population of normal subjects. HDS includes fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, cancer, autoimmune disease, obesity and related dormancy conditions. Dormancy and HDS-related sequellae are imposed on humans by infection with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; or endotoxin)-producing organisms, especially those that are intracellular and those that create antigens that stimulate the TLR pathways. In such instances, the elimination or neutralization of the LPS signal along with the infectious source is required to impact the sequellae of HDS. Treatment includes use of novel and non-obvious doses of antibiotics, optionally including agents that decrease the adverse effects of endotoxin.

Abstract: Coating of a cosmetic finish applied to a metallic surface is provided to prevent the cosmetic finish from oxidizing and tarnishing. A clear adhesion promoting layer with a thickness of 5 to 10 microns is applied to the cosmetically finished metallic surface. A clear wear resistant layer with a thickness of 25 to 35 microns is subsequently applied over the clear adhesion promoting layer. In one variation, the metallic surface is first painted after which a portion of the painted surface is removed to expose the cosmetic finish. In another variation, the metallic surface has a raised portion representing e.g. a logo, emblem or other feature. In this case, the paint and a small amount of the metal substrate from the raised portion are removed to expose the cosmetic finish.

Abstract: An elastomeric gel-filled prosthetic implant having a shell made of a single gel barrier layer. The barrier layer is formed of a homogeneous silicone elastomer capable of sterically retarding permeation of the silicone gel through the shell and having a bleed rate that is less than about 40% of the bleed rate of current shells which use a sandwiched construction with an internal barrier layer. Further, the barrier layer shell is made of a material that exhibits a wet strength that is comparable to or greater than current shells. The silicone elastomer may be a polydimethyl siloxane, and the substituted chemical group is a diphenyl group with a minimum mole percent of at least 13%. The implant may be designed for breast reconstruction or augmentation such that the shell is accordingly shaped. The shell wall thickness is at least 0.254 mm (0.010 inches), and desirably about 0.456 mm (0.018 inches). The implant shell may be made by dip-forming, spray-forming, or rotational molding.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel polypeptide ligands for Toll-like Receptor 2 (TLR2). Preferrably, the novel polypeptide ligands modulate TLR2 signaling and thereby regulate the Innate Immune Response. The invention also provides vaccines comprising the novel polypeptide TLR2 ligands and an antigen. The invention further provides methods of modulating TLR2 signaling using the polypeptide ligands or vaccines of the invention.

Abstract: A smoke detector (1) has a spherical chamber (2) including a plurality of holes (15,17) for allowing smoke and other particles to enter the chamber. The majority of the internal surface (3) of the chamber (2) is covered with a high reflectivity Lambertian surface, that is a material that scatters incident light equally in all directions and at all wavelengths. The remaining portion of the internal surface (3) is coated with a light absorbing material (13) such as a matt black coating. A scatter sensor (9) is directed towards the absorbing coating (3), and an integrating detector (5) is configured to detect radiation directly from the entire Lambertian surface. A first LED (19) emits blue light into the chamber (2), and a second LED (21) emits infrared light into the chamber. Processing means (23, 25 and 27) are provided to analyse the signals from the detectors (5,9), including means for discriminating between signals from the sensors indicative of different frequencies of received radiation.

Abstract: A tool has an adjustable bit array of individual bit elements arranged along a longitudinal axis. The bit element to be used is selected by slightly rotating and then sliding an operating rod fixed to a central bit element that has the smallest diameter. Successively larger bit elements are coupled to the central bit element in a cascading relationship. The operating rod is locked selectively in locking slots, each of which is associated with one of the bit elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mesalamine rectal suppository designed to provide improved comfort of use. One embodiment of the invention is a mesalamine rectal suppository comprising mesalamine and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, wherein the drug load of the suppository ranges from 35% to 50%. Another embodiment of the invention is a mesalamine rectal suppository comprising from about 850 to about 1150 mg mesalamine and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, wherein the total weight of the suppository ranges from about 2250 to about 2700 mg. Yet another embodiment of the invention is a mesalamine rectal suppository comprising mesalamine having a tap density ranging from about 600 to about 800 g/L (as measured by USP <616>) and a hard fat having an ascending melting point of 32 to 35.5° C. Methods of preparing and methods of treatment with mesalamine suppositories are also provided.

Abstract: A vending machine includes a vend sensor for detecting a completion of a vend operation. The vend sensor includes an electronic circuit connected to first and second sound elements positioned on opposing sides of a product delivery chute of the vending machine. The first sound element directs a sound beam across the product delivery chute where it is received by the second sound element. During a vend operation, a product container is guided to the product delivery chute to be dispensed to a consumer. As the container passes through the product delivery chute, the sound beam is interrupted, thereby signaling the completion of a vend operation. Each of the first and second sound elements is provided with a cone that focuses the sound beam so as to limit interruptions stemming from outside sound sources.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterile filling of beverage containers has a first module and a second module. The first module rinses and sterilizes empty containers and delivers the sterilized containers to the second module. The second module fills and caps the containers with beverage product at ambient temperature in an active sterilization zone utilizing an e-beam sterilization unit.

Abstract: Substrate-guided relays that employ light guiding substrates to relay images from sources to viewers in optical display systems. The substrate-guided relays are comprised of an input coupler, an intermediate substrate, and an output coupler. In some embodiments, the output coupler is formed in a separate substrate that is coupled to the intermediate substrate. The output coupler may be placed in front of or behind the intermediate substrate, and may employ two or more partially reflective surfaces to couple light from the coupler. In some embodiments, the input coupler is coupled to the intermediate substrate in a manner that the optical axis of the input coupler intersects the optical axis of the intermediate substrate at a non-perpendicular angle.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterile filling of beverage containers has a first module and a second module. The first module rinses and sterilizes empty containers and delivers the sterilized containers to the second module. The second module fills and caps the containers with beverage product at ambient temperature in an active sterilization zone utilizing an e-beam sterilization unit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a feeder element for use in metal casting, said feeder element comprising: (i) a first end for mounting on a mould pattern; (ii) an opposite second end for receiving a feeder sleeve,—and (iii) a bore between—the first and second ends defined by a stepped sidewall; said feeder element being compressible in use whereby to reduce the distance between the first and second ends, wherein the stepped sidewall has a first sidewall region defining the second end of the element and a mounting surface (54) for a feeder sleeve in use, said first sidewall region being inclined to the bore axis by less than 90° and a second sidewall region contiguous with the first sidewall region, said second sidewall region being parallel to or inclined to the bore axis at a different angle to the first sidewall region whereby to define a step in the sidewall. The feeder element offers improvements over the element disclosed in WO2005/051568.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterile filling of beverage containers has a first module and a second module. The first module rinses and sterilizes empty containers and delivers the sterilized containers to the second module. The second module fills and caps the containers with beverage product at ambient temperature in an active sterilization zone utilizing an e-beam sterilization unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are antigen-binding molecules, such as antibodies, that specifically recognize a portion of the EGFR C-terminal (intracellular) regulatory domain that interacts with one or more regulatory molecules (such as Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling (“SOCS”) proteins). In certain normal or neoplastic cells and/or tissues, this region is inaccessible to the disclosed antigen-binding molecules. Thus, such antigen-binding molecules are useful at least to interrogate the regulated state of EGFR, predict the response of a cancer patient to EGFR inhibitor therapies, and/or predict the aggressiveness of neoplasms.

Abstract: A proportionally wide strip of very thin and flexible material which is specially treated by mechanical, chemical or other means to form a multiplicity of folds, pleats, or channels along it's longitudinal axis and which is further intended to be pulled or drawn between teeth and along the gum line adjoining said teeth as an aid in the removal of trapped food particles and for the daily cleaning and removal of the build-up of plaque from these interdental areas; said device being further intended to spread, to roll-up onto, or to collapse upon itself by the means of increased or decreased pressure from external pulling force or from being drawn through the narrowed spaces between teeth; said ability to collapse and to roll upon itself is at once a better method to displace and/or to trap and contain bacteria, food particles, and other debris to be removed but also as a means to maintain contact with these surfaces while accomodating the variable spacing between teeth and between teeth and gums that is found i

Abstract: An apparatus for sterile filling of beverage containers has a first module and a second module. The first module rinses and sterilizes empty containers and delivers the sterilized containers to the second module. The second module fills and caps the containers with beverage product at ambient temperature in an active sterilization zone utilizing an e-beam sterilization unit.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a cable sealing assembly for providing an environmental seal about a cable includes a housing, a flowable cable sealant and a compression feature. The housing includes first and second housing parts. The first housing part defines a cable passage to receive a cable having a lengthwise cable axis. The cable sealant is disposed in the cable passage. The compression feature forms at least a part of the second housing part and is movable in an installation direction between a ready position and an installed position. The compression feature is shaped and configured to force the cable sealant to flow about the cable in a direction transverse to the cable axis to circumferentially surround a portion of the cable when the compression feature is moved from the ready position to the installed position.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system for mounting a current transformer in proximity to a circuit breaker of an electrical system. Generally, a sensor assembly contains a plurality of current transformers (CTs) for measuring power wires from a main power supply. To accommodate measuring a greater number of wires than one sensor assembly can service, a plurality of sensor assemblies can be mounted end-to-end. The sensor assemblies can have symmetrical recessed portions that laterally align when mounted end-to-end by inverting one of the sensor assemblies. The lateral alignment allows CTs mounted lateral to the recessed portions to be aligned with corresponding circuit breakers, so that wires passing from the circuit breakers are aligned with the CTs, reducing bending stresses on the CTs in contrast to prior efforts. Changes in polarity caused by the inversion can be adjusted by software, firmware, hardware or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The instant application provides a method for running an organization. Each individual in the organization is assigned to one of a plurality of circles. The circles uses dynamic steering in the performance of periodic governance meetings. The governance meetings are used to: define accountabilities, in which each accountability is an activity performed in service of the organization; define roles; assign to each role at least one of the accountabilities; assign to each individual in the circle at least one of the roles, wherein each individual filling a role is accountable to the organization for every accountability assigned to that role; and using a decision-making process to resolve identified tensions within the circle. Additionally, the circles use dynamic steering in the performance of periodic operational meetings.