Abstract: A database interface and associated communication program are installed in each node in a communication network. The database interface provides a translation from the record format of the database and a standardized format for transmission to other nodes thus providing translation between the formats of the different databases formats as records are transmitted between the databases on different nodes. The communication program transmits records that have been translated to the standardized format to nodes which contain corresponding records maintaining current records at each node. A node having a corresponding node can assign an owner. Assigning an owner causes the record to be sent to the database that is associated with the new owner. The owner has the responsibility for acting on the record. The originator of the record is also identified.

Abstract: A diagnostic electrode actively generates test signals to be supplied to analyzer circuitry. The electrode emulates a disposable sensor associated with the analyzer during a normal mode of normal operation. The diagnostic device generates predetermined signals for an output interface of the device using a power supply disposed within the device. The diagnostic module can be designed to produce voltage signals, current signals, or light signals to be received by the analyzer, depending on the type of analyzer to which the diagnostic electrode is to be associated.

Abstract: A system for analyzing the ion level of a fluid sample including an analyzer instrument, containing electrical circuitry for analyzing the ion level of the fluid sample, in electrical communication with a sensor unit having an ion selective electrode in communication with the fluid sample and electrical contacts for communication with the analyzer instrument. A recharger unit for the analyzer instrument is also disclosed.

Abstract: Increased yields of enzymes, particularly tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), are produced from cells, particularly CNCM I-222 cells, by a process using less concentrated lectin, particularly concanavalin A, in culture medium added to replace initial growth medium than has been used hitherto. After first harvesting of enzyme in supernatants, the culture can be reactivated by the addition of fresh culture medium containing an even lower lectin concentration, and a further harvest of enzyme obtained. The two harvests of enzyme together can give a greater overall yield than a single harvest after a single induction step employing the conventionally used higher lectin concentrations. Enzyme yield can be further increased by repeating the last incubation step once or twice to obtain one or two further harvests.

Abstract: An assay technique for the qualitative and/or quantitative detection of a chemical, biochemical or biological species in a sample comprising (a) coating at least a predetermined part of a pre-formed surface with a thin film of a material capable of binding the species to be assayed, said thin film incorporating a fluorescent compound whose fluorescent properties show a dependence upon it's molecular environment and said surface being optically active with respect to radiation over a predetermined band of wavelengths (b) contacting the coated surface with the sample and (c) measuring the change in fluorescent properties of said fluorescent compound before and after binding of said species. The preformed surface is preferably a diffraction grating.

Abstract: A cassette for holding a tissue specimen comprises a body portion (10) and a separable portion (12) which snap together to enclose a specimen (42) in a mould space (54) of the cassette. The specimen (42) is located and oriented in the mould space (54) between a compliant base portion (14) and the separable portion (12). The specimen is processed by the successive application of processing fluids before being embedded in paraffin wax. The specimen is held in its oriented position on the cassette during processing and embedding, there being no handling or re-positioning of the specimen between processing and embedding. During embedding, molten wax is supplied to a container (56) in which the cassette is placed. Wax surrounds and embeds the specimen, the container base is then cooled to solidify a base layer of wax, allowing the remaining wax to be drained from the container, leaving the wax within the cassette to solidify and cool.