Abstract: A nutrient dispensing system which connects to a pressurized water supply includes a gravity dispenser, a pressure dispenser, and a valve which selectively connects the pressurized water supply to one of the gravity dispenser and the pressure dispenser. In a first mode of operation, gravity dispenser only is used. In a second mode of operation, pressure dispenser only is used. And in a third mode of operation the gravity dispenser and the pressure dispenser are used simultaneously.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may prevent or diminish a bone screw from “backing out” from bone. Bone particulate residing in channels of the bone screw may promote bone growth that would reduce the potential of backing out. Furthermore, bone particulate from drilling and tapping functions can cause increased friction. However, by placing bone particulate in channels of the bone screw, potential binding may be reduced resulting in less stress on the screw shaft. Also, breaking of screws during screw insertion may be reduced due to tapering of the screw.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to processes for manufacturing shaped articles for unit-dose packaging with at least one formed recess (e.g., a blister), in particular for unit-dose packaging of pharmaceutical dosage forms. In certain embodiments, the first step of the process is directed to drawing the film material (e.g., metal-plastic foil) with one or more plungers to form a primary contour, the contour having a depth of at least 100% and up to 150% of the depth of the formed recess. The second stage involves shaping the primary contour with one or more plunger(s) to the desired formed recess, with a depth that is less than the depth of the primary contour, while substantially maintaining the surface area of the primary contour formed in the first stage. The formed recess may be formed using warm-forming or cold-forming techniques.

Abstract: A touch-sensor device is described. The touch sensor-device includes a panel having an array of capacitive sensors arranged to function, in a first direction, as a projected capacitance slider. The array of capacitive sensors is further arranged to function, in a second direction, as a set of independent surface capacitance sensors. A controller is coupled with the panel by an electrical component.

Abstract: New mutations have been found in the BRCA1 gene. The mutations are located at nucleotide numbers 421-2, 815, 903, 926, 1506, 2034, 2428, 3888, 3904, 4164, 4643, 5053, 5150, 5210, or 5396+40 of the gene sequence of BRCA1. A process for identifying a sequence variation in a BRCA1 polynucleotide sequence is disclosed. The identification process includes allele specific sequence-based assays of known sequence variations. The methods can be used for efficient, and accurate detection of a mutation in a test BRCA1 gene sample.

Abstract: New mutations have been found in the BRCA2 gene. The mutations are located at nucleotide numbers 2192, 3772, 5193, 5374, 6495 or 6909 of the published nucleotide sequence of BRCA2 gene. A process for identifying a sequence variation in a BRCA2 polynucleotide sequence is disclosed. The identification process includes allele specific sequence-based assays of known sequence variations. The methods can be used for efficient, and accurate detection of a mutation in a test BRCA2 gene sample.

Abstract: A method is provided for qualitatively detecting in vitro the presence or absence of selected circulating antibody types using a diagnostic kit comprising reconstituted, after lyophilization or evaporative drying, red blood cell samples or other cell or cell-like material which have antigens which are recognized and bound by the selected antibody-type to be screened. Diagnostic kits containing the lyophilized blood samples according to the present invention have improved shelf life, and may comprise lyophilized samples packaged in a variety of forms convenient for manual single-test uses or automated multiple-test uses.