Abstract: A geometry item (such as a gantry arm or an MLC leaf) of a radiotherapeutic apparatus needs to be moved in an accurate manner. The effect of inertia introduces a potential inaccuracy. A radiotherapeutic apparatus is therefore disclosed, comprising a geometry item, a radiation source capable of emitting a beam of therapeutic radiation, and a control unit, the geometry item being moveable to adjust the geometry of the beam, the radiation source having a variable dose rate, and the control unit being arranged to cause variations in the speed of movement of the geometry item and to adjust the dose rate of the radiation source for a period of time after a change in the speed of the geometry item.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for administering a pharmaceutically useful anticoagulant drug to certain suitable patients and a method for identifying those patients suitable for receiving the drug. In particular, the invention surrounds the identification of an association between certain SNPs in the MGST3 gene and susceptibility to increased levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) following ximelagatran administration. Thus, this invention relates to methods for predicting susceptibility to elevated ALAT following ximelagatran administration and to methods for administering a pharmaceutically useful anticoagulant drug to certain suitable patients.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for administering a pharmaceutically useful anticoagulant drug to certain suitable patients and a method for identifying those patients suitable for receiving the drug. In particular, the invention surrounds the identification of an association between HLA-DRB1*07 allele and susceptibility to increased levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) following ximelagatran administration. Thus, this invention relates to methods for predicting susceptibility to elevated ALAT following ximelagatran administration and to methods for administering a pharmaceutically useful anticoagulant drug to certain suitable patients.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for administering a pharmaceutically useful anticoagulant drug to certain suitable patients and a method for identifying those patients suitable for receiving the drug. In particular, the invention surrounds the identification of an association between certain SNPs in the PON1 gene and susceptibility to increased levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) following ximelagatran or tacrine administration. Thus, this invention relates to methods for predicting susceptibility to elevated ALAT following ximelagatran or tacrine administration and to methods for administering a pharmaceutically useful anticoagulant drug to certain suitable patients.

Abstract: A machining method and an article manufactured therefrom, the method improving mechanical properties in a work surface by performing a very shallow machining pass using a cutting tool, in combination with application of a cryogenic fluid to the work surface and the cutting tool, the combination compressive force and cryogenic cooling increasing hardness, increasing compressive residual stress, and reducing surface roughness in the manufactured article.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for use with a sample analyzer comprises a sample probe insertable into a process stream, and an extraction cylinder including a variable volume chamber and a piston movable by an actuator back and forth in the cylinder to increase and decrease the volume of the variable volume chamber. A sampling valve is connected between the extraction cylinder and the sample probe, with a sample line connecting the sampling valve to the sample probe, and the variable volume chamber having a capacity substantially greater than the combined volumes of the sample probe, sampling valve and sample line.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of modifying a treatment profile in spinal decompression therapy. The method includes applying a plurality of cycles of the treatment profile and altering at least one parameter of the treatment profile in at least one of the cycles. The parameters of a treatment profile include a high tension level, a low tension level, a high tension time period, and a low tension time period. Each of the cycles includes an application of a tensile force at a high tension level for a high tension time period and an application of the tensile force at a low tension level for a low tension time period.

Abstract: A mass flow meter employs discrete chip-type temperature sensors to sense a fluid flow rate. The sensor can be a semiconductor chip such as SiC or silicon, or thin film tungsten on an AlN substrate. The sensors can be distributed symmetrically with respect to the conduit through which the fluid flows, and can be connected in a four-sensor bridge circuit for accurate flow rate monitoring. An output from the mass flow meter can be used to control the fluid flow.

Abstract: Microprocessor that includes a mechanism for detecting soft errors. The processor includes an instruction fetch unit for fetching an instruction and an instruction decoder for decoding the instruction. The mechanism for detecting soft errors includes duplication hardware for duplicating the instruction and comparison hardware. The processor further includes a first execution unit for executing the instruction in a first execution cycle and the duplicated instruction in a second execution cycle. The comparison hardware compares the results of the first execution cycle and the results of the second execution cycle. The comparison hardware can include an exception unit for generating an exception (e.g., raising a fault) when the results are not the same. The processor also includes a commit unit for committing one of the results when the results are the same.

Abstract: A processor that includes an in-order execution architecture for executing at least two instructions per cycle (e.g., 2n instructions are processed per cycle, where n is an integer greater than or equal to one) and at least two symmetric execution units. The processor includes an instruction fetch unit for fetching n instructions (where n is an integer greater than or equal to one) and an instruction decoder for decoding the n instruction. The error detection mechanism includes duplication hardware for duplicating the n instructions into a first bundle of n instructions and a second bundle of n instructions. A first execution unit for executing the first bundle of instructions in a first execution cycle, and a second symmetric execution unit for executing the second bundle of instructions in the first execution cycle are provided. The error detection mechanism also includes comparison hardware for comparing the results of the first execution unit and the results of the second execution unit.

Abstract: A mass flow meter employs discrete chip-type temperature sensors to sense a fluid flow rate. The sensor can be a semiconductor chip such as SiC or silicon, or thin film tungsten on an AlN substrate. The sensors can be distributed symmetrically with respect to the conduit through which the fluid flows, and can be connected in a four-sensor bridge circuit for accurate flow rate monitoring. An output from the mass flow meter can be used to control the fluid flow.

Abstract: A mass flow meter employs discrete chip-type temperature sensors to sense a fluid flow rate. The sensor can be a semiconductor chip such as SiC or silicon, or thin film tungsten on an AlN substrate. The sensors can be distributed symmetrically with respect to the conduit through which the fluid flows, and can be connected in a four-sensor bridge circuit for accurate flow rate monitoring. An output from the mass flow meter can be used to control the fluid flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to the mechanism of transmission of spongiform encephalopathics. The invention provides simple diagnostic tests for animals that are infected with transmissible spongiform encephalopathic (TSF.) disease. The test comprises testing an animal for the presence of mutant non-viral retroelement nucleic acid molecules, wherein the presence of said mutant retroelement nucleic acid molecules is indicative of infection. The invention also provides methods for the treatment of TSE disease by administering to an animal a therapeutically-effective amount of a compound that is effective to conteract the effect of a non-viral mutant retroelement nucleic acid molecule in inducing TSE disease.

Abstract: A mass flow meter employs discrete chip-type temperature sensors to sense a fluid flow rate. The sensor can be a semiconductor chip such as SiC or silicon, or thin film tungsten on an AlN substrate. The sensors can be distributed symmetrically with respect to the conduit through which the fluid flows, and can be connected in a four-sensor bridge circuit for accurate flow rate monitoring. An output from the mass flow meter can be used to control the fluid flow.

Abstract: A method for the detection of a target nucleic acid, which method comprises contacting template nucleic acid from a sample with (i) a signalling system and (ii) a tailed nucleic acid primer having a template binding region and the tail comprising a linker and a target binding region, in the presence of appropriate nucleoside triphosphates and an agent for polymerization thereof, under conditions such that the template binding region of the primer will hybridize to a complementary sequence in the template nucleic acid and be extended to form a primer extension product, separating any such product from the template whereupon the target binding region in the tail of the primer will hybridize to a sequence in the primer extension product corresponding to the target nucleic acid, and wherein any such target specific hybridization causes a detectable change in the signalling system, such that the presence or absence of the target nucleic acid in the sample is detected by reference to the presence or absence of a de

Abstract: A method for the detection of a target nucleic acid, which method comprises contacting template nucleic acid from a sample with (i) a signalling system and (ii) a tailed nucleic acid primer having a template binding region and the tail comprising a linker and a target binding region, in the presence of appropriate nucleoside triphosphates and an agent for polymerization thereof, under conditions such that the template binding region of the primer will hybridize to a complementary sequence in the template nucleic acid and be extended to form a primer extension product, separating any such product from the template whereupon the target binding region in the tail of the primer will hybridize to a sequence in the primer extension product corresponding to the target nucleic acid, and wherein any such target specific hybridization causes a detectable change in the signalling system, such that the presence or absence of the target nucleic acid in the sample is detected by reference to the presence or absence of a de

Abstract: A real-time data management system which uses data generated at different rates, by multiple heterogeneous incompatible data sources. In one embodiment, the invention is as an airport surface traffic data management system (traffic adviser) that electronically interconnects air traffic control, airline, and airport operations user communities to facilitate information sharing and improve taxi queuing. The system uses an expert system to fuse data from a variety of airline, airport operations, ramp control, and air traffic control sources, in order to establish, predict, and update reference data values for every aircraft surface operation.

Abstract: An insert for use in a drain basin, comprising an outer wall defining a periphery of the insert and having a top edge and a bottom edge. A perforated bottom surface extends across the lower periphery of the insert. A filter, resting on the perforated bottom surface, has a peripheral edge enclosing a central portion. A flange extends inwardly from the top edge of the outer wall past the peripheral edge of the filter. The flange directs drainage water past the periphery of the filter and to its more central portion, whereupon impurities within the drainage water are extracted and filtered water exits through the perforated bottom surface into the drain basin. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inward-extending flanges are angled downward toward the filter. In a second embodiment, the filter, bottom surface and inward-extending flanges are arranged in a cartridge, which is removably placed inside the periphery of the outer wall.

Abstract: A data management system and method that enables acquisition, integration and management of real-time data generated at different rates, by multiple, heterogeneous incompatible data sources. The system achieves this functionality by using an expert system to fuse data from a variety of airline, airport operations, ramp control, and air traffic control tower sources, to establish and update reference data values for every aircraft surface operation. The system may be configured as a real-time airport surface traffic management system (TMS) that electronically interconnects air traffic control, airline data and airport operations data to facilitate information sharing and improve taxi queuing. In the TMS operational mode, empirical data shows substantial benefits in ramp operations for airlines, reducing departure taxi times by about one minute per aircraft in operational use, translating as $12 to $15 million per year savings to airlines at the Atlanta, Georgia airport.

Abstract: A bait station providing a holder for dispensing liquid bait in a refillable manner. The liquid bait is kept in a reservoir at the bottom of the bait station base. Fit into an open end of the base is an interior section comprised of two domes. The interior section fits into the base above the bait reservoir. A lid is secured over the end of the base. The dimensions of the domes are selected such that the domes contain the liquid bait if inverted and one dome contains the liquid bait held in half the reservoir. The access ports at the top of the base and between the domes provide access to the liquid bait. Refilling the station with liquid poison is effected either through a port in the lid of the bait station or by removal of the lid. Target insects enter the bait station through one or more access ports and then travel through an interior passageway to the liquid bait, which can be both an attractant and a poison.