Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical transmission comprising: an electrical conductor; and, a cryogen carrying portion arranged so that, in use, cryogen is carried in the cryogen carrying portion to maintain the conductor in a hyperconductive state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrical network comprising an electrical conductor and, a cryogen source configured to hold cryogen, the cryogen source arranged so that, in use, cryogen is provided to the conductor to maintain the conductor in a hyperconductive state.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for detection of allergic inflammation in a subject that comprises assaying a test sample of peripheral blood from the subject for a marker of DNA damage. An elevated amount of marker present in the test sample compared to control sample is indicative of inflammation. The method can be adapted for quantitatively monitoring the efficacy of treatment of allergic inflammation in a subject. Markers of DNA damage include single- and/or double-stranded breaks in leukocytes, oxidative DNA damage in leukocytes, or a marker of nitric oxide oxidative activity (protein nitrosylation in leukocytes). This unexpected discovery of markers of systemic genotoxicity present in circulating leukocytes enables detection of allergic inflammation with a relatively simple and minimally invasive assay using peripheral blood.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for detection of allergic inflammation in a subject that comprises assaying a test sample of peripheral blood from the subject for a marker of DNA damage. An elevated amount of marker present in the test sample compared to control sample is indicative of inflammation. The method can be adapted for quantitatively monitoring the efficacy of treatment of allergic inflammation in a subject. Markers of DNA damage include single- and/or double-stranded breaks in leukocytes, oxidative DNA damage in leukocytes, or a marker of nitric oxide oxidative activity (protein nitrosylation in leukocytes). This unexpected discovery of markers of systemic genotoxicity present in circulating leukocytes enables detection of allergic inflammation with a relatively simple and minimally invasive assay using peripheral blood.

Abstract: A finishing assembly for vibratory finishing of workpieces in loose finishing media includes at least one generally annular finishing chamber which is driven by a drive assembly and supported by a support housing. The drive assembly consists of a crank shaft and a drive shaft which are rigidly connected to each other through a wedge-shaped gasket and oriented such that the rotary axis of the crank shaft and the rotary axis of the drive shaft intersect with one another at a predetermined angle. The crank shaft rotates within a first bearing hub which is rigidly mounted within the chamber and the drive shaft rotates within a second bearing hub which is rigidly secured to the assembly housing and which is actuated by an electric motor. The spatial vibration of the finishing assembly can be adjusted using a wedge-shaped gasket and/or by providing for horizontal displacement of the first bearing hub from the second bearing hub.

Abstract: A lapping assembly for lapping a group of workpieces including a pair of lapping discs and a cassette for positioning the workpieces between the lapping discs. The lapping discs are provided with two-component translational oscillations at the appropriate cutting speed, parallel to their working planes. This motion is effected using crank pins rotating about a coaxially positioned axis and elastic members (or swivel-supporting) members coupled to the body of the lapping machine to prevent the lapping discs from rotating. The cassette has an opening having a curvilinear shape for holding the workpieces, and protrusions which extend into the opening. The cassette is mounted on a support element and equipped with a drive to rotate it about a stationary axis. Alternatively, the cassette can be fixed during treatment and the lapping discs can be rotated at a speed less than the cutting speed.