Abstract: Modified non-human mammalian hepatoma cell lines that express hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigens and which are capable of generating tumours in a syngeneic animal model are provided. The cell lines are generated by genomic integration of an expression construct that comprises one or more HCV antigen-encoding sequences under the control of a constitutive promoter. The expression construct further comprises a selectable marker and a reporter gene under the control of the same promoter. The cell lines are useful for testing prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines against HCV either in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring muscle sarcomere length are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method comprises illuminating a set of muscle fibers with electromagnetic radiation, measuring an intensity of the electromagnetic radiation as reflected from the muscle fibers, the measuring occurring as a function of wavelength, determining wavelengths corresponding to maximums of reflected intensity, and correlating the determined wavelengths with respective muscle sarcomere lengths. In an embodiment, a system comprises an illumination source system for illuminating the set of muscle fibers with electromagnetic radiation, and an analyzer for measuring the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation as reflected from the muscle fibers.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present teachings, systems and methods for applying treatment energy, e.g., electromagnetic radiation such as laser radiation in the visible and near infrared wavelengths, to body areas having bulges and fat deposits, loose skin, pain, acne and/or wounds. In some aspects, the systems and methods can enable relatively lengthy treatments to be performed by having the practitioner set-up and/or start the treatment, thereafter allowing the treatment to proceed safely and effectively without the continued presence of the practitioner.

Abstract: An improved railway car axle has a generally hollow cylindrical elongated body. The axle includes a journal near either end adapted to receive a bearing, and a dust guard adjacent the journals. A wheel seat is adjacent the dust guard and is adapted to receive a railway wheel thereon. The axial center interior portion of the railway axle is generally hollow. The railway axle is comprised of a steel with specified alloy range, mechanical properties and is of specified internal and external dimensions to allow the axle to be formed in a forging operation and to be utilized in heavy haul railway freight car service.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring muscle sarcomere length are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method comprises illuminating a set of muscle fibers with electromagnetic radiation, measuring an intensity of the electromagnetic radiation as reflected from the muscle fibers, the measuring occurring as a function of wavelength, determining wavelengths corresponding to maximums of reflected intensity, and correlating the determined wavelengths with respective muscle sarcomere lengths. In an embodiment, a system comprises an illumination source system for illuminating the set of muscle fibers with electromagnetic radiation, and an analyzer for measuring the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation as reflected from the muscle fibers.

Abstract: A system for managing prescriptions via a blockchain is provided. The system records in the blockchain a prescription transaction that identifies a prescription that has been written for a patient. The system then records in the blockchain a submission selection transaction with code for controlling selection of a pharmacy to dispense the prescription. For pharmacies that provide a submission for dispensing the prescription, the system records in the blockchain a submission transaction with submission information relating to dispensing of the prescription by the pharmacy. When a pharmacy is selected to dispense the prescription, the system records in the blockchain a selected submission transaction indicating the pharmacy selected to dispense the prescription. When the prescription is dispensed, the system records in the blockchain a dispense transaction indicating that the selected pharmacy has dispensed the prescription.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present teachings, systems and methods for applying treatment energy, e.g., electromagnetic radiation such as laser radiation in the visible and near infrared wavelengths, to body areas having bulges and fat deposits, loose skin, pain, acne and/or wounds. In some aspects, the systems and methods can enable relatively lengthy treatments to be performed by having the practitioner set-up and/or start the treatment, thereafter allowing the treatment to proceed safely and effectively without the continued presence of the practitioner.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present teachings, systems and methods for applying treatment energy, e.g., electromagnetic radiation such as laser radiation in the visible and near infrared wavelengths, to body areas having bulges and fat deposits, loose skin, pain, acne and/or wounds. In some aspects, the systems and methods can enable relatively lengthy treatments to be performed by having the practitioner set-up and/or start the treatment, thereafter allowing the treatment to proceed safely and effectively without the continued presence of the practitioner.

Abstract: In recent years, a great deal of attention has been drawn to the issue of water contamination, particularly in developing countries, where an inexpensive, effective method of reducing waterborne pathogens and contaminants is needed. Experiments performed with mucilage extracted from the Opuntia ficus-indica cactus show that this mucilage is an effective tool for clearing contaminants from water supplies, including the removal of Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus bacteria, and the reduction of arsenic concentrations with very low mucilage concentrations (5 mg/L and 10 mg/L). Results for Bacillus and E. coli show settling to be complete in approximately five to ten minutes with removal rates of up to 97%, when CaCl2 is co-applied. Arsenic is removed at between 35% to 85% by increasing the contact time between the mucilage and the arsenic solutions depending on the pH and mucilage concentration.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present teachings, systems and methods for applying treatment energy, e.g., electromagnetic radiation such as laser radiation in the visible and near infrared wavelengths, to body areas having bulges and fat deposits, loose skin, pain, acne and/or wounds. In some aspects, the systems and methods can enable relatively lengthy treatments to be performed by having the practitioner set-up and/or start the treatment, thereafter allowing the treatment to proceed safely and effectively without the continued presence of the practitioner.

Abstract: Modified non-human mammalian hepatoma cell lines that express hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigens and which are capable of generating tumours in a syngeneic animal model are provided. The cell lines are generated by genomic integration of an expression construct that comprises one or more HCV antigen-encoding sequences under the control of a constitutive promoter. The expression construct further comprises a selectable marker and a reporter gene under the control of the same promoter. The cell lines are useful for testing prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines against HCV either in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring muscle sarcomere length are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method comprises illuminating a set of muscle fibers with electromagnetic radiation, measuring an intensity of the electromagnetic radiation as reflected from the muscle fibers, the measuring occurring as a function of wavelength, determining wavelengths corresponding to maximums of reflected intensity, and correlating the determined wavelengths with respective muscle sarcomere lengths. In an embodiment, a system comprises an illumination source system for illuminating the set of muscle fibers with electromagnetic radiation, and an analyzer for measuring the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation as reflected from the muscle fibers.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present teachings, systems and methods for applying treatment energy, e.g., electromagnetic radiation such as laser radiation in the visible and near infrared wavelengths, to body areas having bulges and fat deposits, loose skin, pain, acne and/or wounds. In some aspects, the systems and methods can enable relatively lengthy treatments to be performed by having the practitioner set-up and/or start the treatment, thereafter allowing the treatment to proceed safely and effectively without the continued presence of the practitioner.

Abstract: A table includes a support column defining an axis, a base supporting the support column, a worksurface supported by the support column such that the work surface is rotatable relative to the base about the axis of the support column. The table further includes a rotation mechanism including a swing arm housing coupled to the worksurface. The swing arm housing is rotatable in a first angular direction about the axis to rotate the worksurface in a second angular direction about the axis.

Abstract: A table includes a vertical support column and a base. The base includes a first floor engaging portion disposed on a first side of a vertical axis and a second floor engaging portion disposed on an opposite second side of the vertical axis. The first and second floor engaging portions are weighted such that the base has a center of gravity spaced from the vertical axis on the second side of the vertical axis. A worksurface member is supported by the vertical support column and is vertically spaced from the base. The worksurface member is rotatable relative to the base. In one aspect, the worksurface member has an overall length greater than the overall length of the base. In another aspect, a stop limits rotation of the worksurface member.

Abstract: An adsorbent suitable for heavy metal adsorption is described, comprising a thiol functionalized support wherein the adsorbent has a BET surface area in the range 200-500 m2/g, a pore diameter in the range 70-150 Angstroms and a pore volume ?0.25 cm3/g. The adsorbent may be used to remove heavy metals e.g. mercury and/or arsenic, from wastewater streams such as produced water or flue gas scrubber waters.

Abstract: An adsorbent suitable for heavy metal absorption is described, comprising a thiol-functionalised support containing a stabilising amount of an alkaline metal reacted with said thiol functionality. The adsorbent may be used to remove heavy metals e.g. mercury and/or arsenic, from wastewater streams such as produced water or flue gas scrubber waters.

Abstract: A method of assembling an induction rotor includes inserting a plurality of conductor bars into a stack of disks whereby distal ends of the conductor bars project from respective axial ends of the stack, placing first and second end rings onto the respective axial ends of the stack so that the ends of the conductor bars fit into slots in the respective end rings, and compressing the slots against the conductor bars by impacting at least one of the end rings. The method may include selectively adjusting an amount of end ring material being compressed by varying heights of respective areas of a top surface of the end ring and/or selectively adjusting an amount of end ring material being compressed by varying heights of respective areas of an impacting surface.

Abstract: A method of assembling an induction rotor includes inserting a plurality of conductor bars into a stack of disks, placing first and second end rings onto respective axial ends of the stack, thereby inserting ends of the conductor bars into corresponding slots in the respective end rings, compressing the slots against the conductor bars by impacting the end rings, and applying an electric current through the end rings and conductor bars. The compressing and the applying of current bond end rings and conductor bars together by simultaneous mechanical and electrical heat.