Abstract: The invention proves a method of producing mature dendritic cells in vitro, which comprises the step of culturing the immature dendritic cells in the presence of a specifically configured high molecular weight double stranded RNA (dsRNA) polymer. The specifically configured high molecular weight dsRNA polymer is typically selected from the group comprising poly[I]:poly [CxU]; poly [I]:poly [GxU]; poly [A]: poly [UxC]; poly [A]:poly [UxG]; poly [U]:poly [AxC]; poly [U]:poly [IxU]; poly [C]:poly [GxA]; poly [C]:poly [GxU]; poly [G]:poly [CxA]; poly [G]:poly [CxU] and AMPLIGEN® (poly[I]:poly[C12U]), where x is on average a number from 3 to 40. The immature dendritic cells may be exposed to an antigen before they are matured, and a vaccine including the antigen-presenting mature dendritic cells can then be prepared. A method of treating cancer, a virus, parasite and microorganism is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of self-testing includes transmitting a plurality of self-test signals and receiving the plurality of self-test signals. In addition, the method includes storing the received self-test signal in a first database; and comparing the received self-test signal with data from a second database. An self-testing apparatus and a method of for assuring substantially continued calibrated function of a testing device.

Abstract: Precious metals can be selectively removed from a solution containing an excess of base metals by electrolysis in a divided cell. This necessitates controlling the pH of the solution, and controlling the voltage applied to the electrodes, such that precious metals are deposited preferentially on the electrode in contact with the solution. For example the precious metals may be deposited selectively onto an anode, presumably with formation of a hydrous oxide, if the pH is held at say less than pH 1.0 and the cell voltage held less than 1.3 V.

Abstract: The invention proves a method of producing mature dendritic cells in vitro, which comprises the step of culturing the immature dendritic cells in the presence of a specifically configured high molecular weight double stranded RNA (dsRNA) polymer. The specifically configured high molecular weight dsRNA polymer is typically selected from the group comprising poly[I]: poly [CxU]; poly [I]: poly [GxU]; poly [A]: poly [UxC]; poly [A]: poly [UxG]; poly [U]: poly [AxC]; poly [U]: poly [IxU]; poly [C]: poly [GxA]; poly [C]: poly [GxU]; poly [G]: poly [CxA]; poly [G]: poly [CxU] and Ampligen, where x is on average a number from 3 to 40. The immature dendritic cells may be exposed to an antigen before they are matured, and a vaccine including the antigen-presenting mature dendritic cells can then be prepared.