Abstract: A number of reagent-free infrared spectroscopic diagnostic and analytical methods have been established previously, making use of dry biofluid films. For example, this approach has successfully measured high concentration analytes of serum and urine. However, a number of low concentration diagnostically relevant analytes presently elude detection by infrared spectroscopy. This is due in part to their relatively low concentration and in part to spectral interference by other strongly absorbing constituents. The applicability of the technique would be broadened substantially if it were possible to separate and concentrate, lower concentration analytes, e.g. serum creatinine and urine proteins, from the obscuring presence of relatively high concentration compounds. The invention disclosed achieves this is through microfluidic sample preconditioning based upon laminar fluid diffusion interfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for polymorphic presentation ot pre-recorded motion picture content. The recorded content (DVD DISC) comprises individual segments ((1,0) (2,0) etc,}, and the apparatus comprises sequencing means (SEQ GEN etc) for defining a presentation sequence (Xp) of a subset of the segments and for causing the segments to be presented in accordance with the defined presentation sequence. The sequencing means is operable to generate said sequence by selecting and adding segments to a sequence already partly defined, using (i) randomised values and (ii) predetermined rules specifying compatibility between the segments already included in the sequence and segments which are candidates for adding to the sequence. Editing and content capture apparatuses are disclosed, in which a matrix presentation is used to organise content segments. Recorded segments can be grouped in X, Y etc. dimensions and sequences made by varying ‘character’ parameters (Y etc.) as well as timeline position (X).

Abstract: A method and a corresponding system for obtaining a serum mid-infrared spectroscopic profile using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) are described. The method comprises acquiring FTIR spectra for dried sera and preprocessing the FTIR spectra of sera by differentiation and smoothing to enhance weak spectral features and to remove baseline variations. The preprocessed FTIR spectra are normalized to a common intensity range, the normalization being performed in a spectral sub-region defined by strongest infrared (IR) absorption for a protein to obtain the serum spectroscopic profile. The serum spectroscopic profiles provide a basis to diagnose immunoglobulin disorders or to quantify serum immunoglobulin levels.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for polymorphic presentation to pre-recorded motion picture content. The recorded content (DVD DISC) comprises individual segments ((1,0) (2,0) etc,}, and the apparatus comprises sequencing means (SEQ GEN etc) for defining a presentation sequence (Xp) of a subset of the segments and for causing the segments to be presented in accordance with the defined presentation sequence. The sequencing means is operable to generate said sequence by selecting and adding segments to a sequence already partly defined, using (i) randomised values and (ii) predetermined rules specifying compatibility between the segments already included in the sequence and segments which are candidates for adding to the sequence. Editing and content capture apparatuses are disclosed, in which a matrix presentation is used to organise content segments. Recorded segments can be grouped in X, Y etc. dimensions and sequences made by varying ‘character’ parameters (Y etc.) as well as timeline position (X).

Abstract: An apparatus is described for polymorphic presentation to pre-recorded motion picture content. The recorded content (DVD DISC) comprises individual segments ((1,0) (2,0) etc,}, and the apparatus comprises sequencing means (SEQ GEN etc) for defining a presentation sequence (Xp) of a subset of the segments and for causing the segments to be presented in accordance with the defined presentation sequence. The sequencing means is operable to generate said sequence by selecting and adding segments to a sequence already partly defined, using (i) randomised values and (ii) predetermined rules specifying compatibility between the segments already included in the sequence and segments which are candidates for adding to the sequence. Editing and content capture apparatuses are disclosed, in which a matrix presentation is used to organise content segments. Recorded segments can be grouped in X, Y etc. dimensions and sequences made by varying ‘character’ parameters (Y etc.) as well as timeline position (X).

Abstract: The discovery that apolipoprotein B exhibits spectral features in the mid IR spectrum that make it identifiable within blood serum leads to the invented use of a statistical correlation between a concentration of apolipoprotein-B (apoB) in a sample of blood serum and infrared spectral features of the blood serum sample to produce a test for apoB. A method for providing such a test, and tests produced by the method are taught.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula I: and Formula II: (where variables R1, R2, R3, R4, A, B, D, G, J, Q, T, W, X and Y are as defined herein) useful as antagonists of CGRP receptors and useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases in which the CGRP is involved, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, use of these compounds and compositions to prevent or treat diseases involving CGRP.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula (I) and Formula (II) (where variables R1, R2, R4, A, B, W, X, Y and Z are as defined herein) useful as antagonists of CGRP receptors and useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases in which the CGRP is involved, such as headache, migraine and cluster headache. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which CGRP is involved.

Abstract: A mesh sponge is formed as a batting of multiple layers of a tubular mesh material defining a pocket. The pocket may house a cleaning aid article, for example, a bar of soap or a structural form. Liquid soap may be used in conjunction with the mesh sponge and structural form, which provides a solid feel to the user. The pocket in the mesh sponge may house a bladder that is filled with liquid soap. The bladder may be porous or contain one or more valved openings to facilitate the excretion or dispensing of the liquid soap upon squeezing of the bladder by a user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds of Formula I: and Formula II: (where variables R1, R2, R3, R4, A, B, G, J, Q, T, U, V, W, X and Y are as defined herein) useful as antagonists of CGRP receptors and useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases in which the CGRP is involved, such as headache, migraine and cluster headache. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which CGRP is involved.

Abstract: A number of reagent-free infrared spectroscopic diagnostic and analytical methods have been established previously, making use of dry biofluid films. For example, this approach has successfully measured high concentration analytes of serum and urine. However, a number of low concentration diagnostically relevant analytes presently elude detection by infrared spectroscopy. This is due in part to their relatively low concentration and in part to spectral interference by other strongly absorbing constituents. The applicability of the technique would be broadened substantially if it were possible to separate and concentrate, lower concentration analytes, e.g. serum creatinine and urine proteins, from the obscuring presence of relatively high concentration compounds. The invention disclosed achieves this is through microfluidic sample preconditioning based upon laminar fluid diffusion interfaces.

Abstract: A mesh sponge is formed as a batting of multiple layers of a tubular mesh material defining a pocket. The pocket may house a cleaning aid article, for example, a bar of soap or a structural form. Liquid soap may be used in conjunction with the mesh sponge and structural form, which provides a solid feel to the user. The pocket in the mesh sponge may house a bladder that is filled with liquid soap. The bladder may be porous or contain one or more valved openings to facilitate the excretion or dispensing of the liquid soap upon squeezing of the bladder by a user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds of Formula I and Formula II: (where variables R1, R2, R3, R4, R6, A, B, G, J, W, X and Y are as defined herein) useful as antagonists of CGRP receptors and useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases in which the CGRP is involved, such as headache, migraine and cluster headache. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which CGRP is involved.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously determining the concentrations of cardiovascular risk markers selected from the group consisting of High Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol, triglycerides and oxidized LDL using infra-red and/or near infrared light is described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds of Formula I: and Formula II: (where variables R1, R2, R3, R4, A, B, G, J, Q, T, U, V, W, X and Y are as defined herein) useful as antagonists of CGRP receptors and useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases in which the CGRP is involved, such as headache, migraine and cluster headache. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which CGRP is involved.

Abstract: A back-mounted device for carrying loads; more particularly, a carrier for a child's car seat, when the car seat is not in use.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously determining the concentrations of cardiovascular risk markers selected from the group consisting of High Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol, triglycerides and oxidized LDL using infra-red and/or near infrared light is described

Abstract: A folding structure includes a mounting base fixedly fastened to the footplate of a kick scooter, the mounting base having a first locating hole and a second locating hole, a coupling member fixedly connected to a steering control handle and pivoted to the mounting base for enabling the steering control handle to be turned between the operative position and the non-operative position, a stop member mounted in the coupling member, a pusher mounted in the stop member and adapted to force the stop member into engagement with one of the first locating hole and second locating hole of the mounting base to further lock the steering control handle in the operative or non-operative position, an actuating member adapted to move the stop member into the inside of the coupling member away from the mounting base for enabling the steering control handle to be turned with the coupling member between the operative position and the non-operative position.

Abstract: A scooter braking structure comprises an arresting member pivoted in the receiving slot of a scooter bottom board and provided with a tread portion and a braking portion. A spring urges the inner wall of the receiving slot and the arresting member such that the arresting member swivels between a braking position and a releasing position. When the arresting member is located at the braking position, the spring is compressed by the arresting member such that the braking portion comes in contact with the scooter rear wheel to slow down or stop the scooter in motion. When the arresting member is located at the releasing position, the spring returns to its original form to push the arresting member such that the braking portion is separated from the scooter rear wheel.

Abstract: A scooter folding structure comprises a fastening seat, a connection seat, a retaining member, an urging member, and an actuation member. The fastening seat is fastened with the footboard of the scooter. The connection seat is fastened with the handlebar frame of the scooter such that the connection seat is pivoted with the fastening seat to swivel between a first position and a second position. When the connection seat is located at the first position, the retaining member is urged by the urging member to remain at a fixed position at which the fastening seat and the connection seat are securely joined together. The retaining member can be actuated by the actuation member to withdraw, thereby enabling the connection seat to swivel to locate at the second position at which the scooter is folded.