Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking assets of a service provider in a transportation network may comprise assigning a destination and route to a transportation container having an associated permanent identification marker. A client may generate a unique identification label for the transportation container, wherein the unique identification label includes information regarding the destination and route assigned to the container. Thereafter, the unique identification label is attached to the transportation container. The client also receives first information pertaining to the unique identification label attached to the transportation container, and second information pertaining to the permanent identification marker associated with the transportation container. Handling units containing delivery items are loaded into the transportation container.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus, system and method for delivery management are provided. The delivery management system comprises a web based server comprising an application server and a database server, a mobile delivery management tool, and a wireless communication device for connecting the mobile delivery management tool and the web based server. Also provided is a method for managing delivery of a package using the apparatus and system of the present invention. Data related to the package to be delivered may be received using the mobile delivery management tool, which then processes the received data to determine an appropriate delivery action to be taken. The delivery action may be, for example, the selection of a delivery route, a scheduled delivery time, or a loading order.

Abstract: A connector block for retaining at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with a detonator. The connector block comprises a housing (2, 21) having a bore (4, 23) formed therein for receiving a detonator (6, 36) provided with a percussion-actuation end (7, 25), a shock tube retention means (8, 28) defining with the housing a slot (9, 29) for receiving therein at least one shock tube (10, 30) and holding the at least one shock tube in signal transfer relationship with the percussion-actuation end of the detonator present in the bore, the slot having an entrance (12, 32) for allowing insertion of the at least one shock tube into the slot, and a flexible and resilient closure member (11, 31) or an inflexible closure member (50) pivotable on a sprung hinge (51) extending partially or fully into the entrance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of heat shock proteins to enhance production of one or more chemokines by a cell. The present invention also relates to the use of a heat shock protein in the treatment or prophylaxis of an infectious disease. The present invention also relates to a peptide from an extracellular domain of CCR5 and the use of the peptide in the treatment or prophylaxis of an infectious disease.

Abstract: A method and device for the automated large scale preparation for testing of drug-drug interactions, particularly with determination of IC50 and Ki, as a screening tool enhancement for determining viability of large numbers of compounds as drug candidates. Small samples of specific probe substrates and new compound inhibitors are automatically dispensed en masse into multi-welled reaction plates which are prefilled with thawed human microsomes, buffer and cofactor. The reaction plates are incubated and the reaction products are tested within degradation time limits, for initial biological determinations of relevant interaction effects of the compounds.

Abstract: A method and device for the automated large scale preparation for testing of drug-drug interactions, particularly with determination of IC50 and Ki, as a screening tool enhancement for determining viability of large numbers of compounds as drug candidates. Small samples of specific probe substrates and new compound inhibitors are automatically dispensed en masse into multi-welled reaction plates which are prefilled with thawed human microsomes, buffer and cofactor. The reaction plates are incubated and the reaction products are tested within degradation time limits, for initial biological determinations of relevant interaction effects of the compounds.

Abstract: A method and device for the automated large scale preparation for testing of drug-drug interactions, particularly with determination of IC50 and Ki, as a screening tool enhancement for determining viability of large numbers of compounds as drug candidates. Small samples of specific probe substrates and new compound inhibitors are automatically dispensed en masse into multi-welled reaction plates which are prefilled with thawed human microsomes, buffer and cofactor. The reaction plates are incubated and the reaction products are tested within degradation time limits, for initial biological determinations of relevant interaction effects of the compounds.

Abstract: A continuous sulphur drossing process for the decoppering of lead comprising the steps of flowing lead bullion into the first of a series of at least two reaction vessels; continuously agitating the lead bullion in the first reaction vessel, adding sulphur to the lead bullion during the continuing agitation; continuously and concurrently transferring the lead bullion, dross arising from the copper reacted with the sulphur, and any unreacted sulphur from each reaction vessel to the next in the series without backmixing; agitating the contents of each reaction vessel; maintaining the total residence time of the materials in the reaction vessels below that in which a significatn amount of reversion to elemental copper would occur, thereby substantially preventing re-solution of copper in he bullion; continuously and concurrently transferring decoppered bullion and dross from the final reaction vessel in the series to an unagitated dross separation vessel; removing the dross from the surface of the decoppered bul