Abstract: It has been learned that moissanite and other synthetic stones, including synthetic moissanite and synthetic diamond, are distinguishable from natural diamonds based on differing electrical conductivities. The present invention, therefore, provides an apparatus and method for determining a gem type based on its electrical conductivity. In particular, an electronic circuit including the gem under test as part of a circuit path is used to measure its electrical conductivity and, therefore, gem type. The onerous task of determining whether a gem is moissanite or synthetic diamond involves providing a high voltage across a gem surface greater than a breakdown voltage, typically greater than 300 volts, and measuring a minuscule current that flows through the gem. A first and second contact couple the high voltage to the gem under test, where a low impedance detection circuit is used to flag when the contacts are erroneously contacting each other during a measurement.

Abstract: This invention relates to new polypeptide compounds represented by general formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as defined in the description or a salt thereof which has antimicrobial activities (especially, antifungal activities), inhibitory activity on &bgr;-1,3-glucan synthase, to process for preparation thereof, to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, and to a method for prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of infectious diseases including Pneumocystis carinii infection (e.g. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia) in a human being or an animal.

Abstract: A rake with grasping heads for facilitating the collection of lawn debris. The rake with grasping heads includes an elongate inner rod being disposed in the interior of an outer housing. A first rake head extends from the bottom end of the outer housing and has a plurality of tines. A second rake head is pivotally coupled to a lower portion of the outer housing and has a plurality of uniformly spaced tines. The lower portion of the outer housing is rotatably coupled to the upper portion of the outer housing. The lower portion is rotatable between a first and a second position. The second rake head rotates with the lower portion of the outer housing. The second rake head is positioned behind the first rake head when the lower portion of the outer housing is in the first position. The second rake head faces the first rake head when the lower portion of the outer housing is in the second position. The second rake head is pivotable between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for identifying a target section within an image of a meat section. Color data for each pixel is stored and the pixels having a predetermined color characteristic of the target section e.g. a certain red/green ratio, are discriminated. The process involves excising from a refined data set for the discriminated pixels at least one data set for a cluster of pixels representing an external image section which is adjacent to and contacting the target section but which does not form part of the target section, the excising step including analysing the shape of the refined image section represented by the refined data set to identify concavities and examining properties of links and/or properties of sub-sections formed by links to identify valid links demarcating the target section from adjacent touching external image sections. The refined data set after the excising step has been carried out is processed as the data set representing the target section of the image.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint for replacing a natural joint in a body includes a first prosthetic component of the prosthetic joint which, when implanted into a first resected bone of the natural joint has a junction between the implanted component and the bone. The joint further includes a second prosthetic component of the prosthetic joint which, when implanted into an adjacent resected bone of the natural joint, articulates with the first component. A microporous membrane surrounds the first prosthetic component and is secured to the first prosthetic component and, when implanted in a body, is secured to bone surrounding said first prosthetic component, thereby sealing the junction against ingress of particles, but permitting liquids to pass through said membrane without restricting articulation of the joint.

Abstract: Evaluation of carcass, or carcass portions, by object image definition processing comprising the steps of: recording a first image of a background taken from a viewing point; positioning the carcass or carcass portion in the background; recording a second image taken from the viewing point of the background with the carcass or carcass portion positioned therein; and analyzing the first and second images to differentiate the carcass or carcass portion image from the background image for providing a defined image of the carcass or carcass portion, thus resolving the location and/or profile of the carcass or carcass portion positioned in the background. The differentiation includes the subtraction of the first or second image from the other, preferably for each color component respectively, so as to provide a number of component difference images which are then recombined to provide an absolute difference image.

Abstract: A method of fitting orthopaedic prostheses is disclosed in which a semi-permeable microporous membrane is fitted over an implanted prosthesis so as to cover the junction between the prosthesis and the bone. In this way, particles generated by mechanical wear of the prosthesis are excluded. Such particles are believed to inhibit bone regeneration in the region of the prosthesis. In addition, by preventing the ingress of fibrous connective tissue cells, a secondary seal of new bone will form between the membrane and the original bone.

Abstract: A compound represented by the following general formula: ##STR1## which is useful as an intermediate for production of a clinically excellent synthetic antibacterial, a salt thereof, and a process for producing the same.In said formula,R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom or a carboxyl-protecting group;R.sup.2 is a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group;X.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom;X.sup.2 is a halogen atom;X.sub.a.sup.5 is a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom;A is a methylene group; a group of >CH--COOR.sup.4, etc.,in which R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 each are a hydrogen atom or a carboxyl-protecting group;B is a methylene group or a carbonyl group;provided that both A and B must not be methylene groups at the same time.