Abstract: In one embodiment, a portable specimen and collection kit is provided. The kit provides improved patient triage and streamlined specimen collection with a cloud-based, HIPAA-compliant and user-friendly software that is accessed by a field operations person via a tablet computer and a mobile hotspot. The kit may use a software platform currently deployed in 7 U.S. state public health labs and most of the public health labs in Canada. Once patient demographic details and answers to triage questions are captured, labels are printed on an included wireless portable label printer and affixed to the specimen container(s). The software routes the specimen to the appropriate location (public health or commercial lab) for testing based on priority and workload. The order information is transmitted electronically to the testing laboratory information system so that the specimen is immediately ready to be tested upon receipt in the laboratory.

Abstract: Method for preparing a 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (“FDCA”) comprising: contacting a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that has greater than 34% sequence identity with an amino acid sequence set out in SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:2 with furoic acid in the presence of carbon dioxide; wherein the polypeptide has carboxylase and decarboxylase activity and comprises (i) the amino acid corresponding to H297 or a functional substitution thereof and (ii) at least one of (a) the amino acid corresponding to R305 or a functional substitution thereof; and (b) the amino acid corresponding to R332 or a functional substitution thereof; wherein the position is numbered relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:2.

Abstract: Method for preparing a mono-unsaturated alkene comprising contacting an aliphatic mono-unsaturated carboxylic acid with an Fdc1 polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence with at least 21% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 and a Pad1 polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence with at least 17% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2.

Abstract: Method for preparing a mono-unsaturated alkene comprising contacting an aliphatic mono-unsaturated carboxylic acid with an Fdc1 polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence with at least 21% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 and a Pad1 polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence with at least 17% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2.

Abstract: A method of installing a height safety system in a fall zone in an underground location is described including the steps of: fitting an anchor point to at least one roof bolt situated above the fall zone; providing a safety line; associating the line with the anchor point; and attaching the line to an operator. Apparatus for use in installing height safety systems are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of anchors for use in height safety systems are described, the anchors including: a generally elongate member; an attachment point for a safety line is provided at one end of the member; the anchor is arranged to be affixed to a sturdy object so that, in use, the attachment point is in a raised position. Various height safety systems including such anchors are also described.

Abstract: A height safety system is disclosed for use with an elevated work area including: an elongate member; first and second attachment means; the first attachment means is adapted to restrain the member in use at a lower region of the mast; the second attachment means is adapted to restrain the member in use at about the height of the elevated work area; and a fall restraint device which is adapted to be attached to the member in use at an upper region of the mast.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring the difference in alignment between a first plan position of an element (1) and a second plan position of an element, the method comprising the use of: i) at least one rigid or taut connection (4) extending between a first point (2) at the level of the first plan position and a second point (3) at the level of the second plan position, the first and second points being at an identical displacement from the element; and ii) one or more electrolevel gauges (5) provided on the or each rigid or taut connection, so as to measure the inclination of the rigid or taut connection.

Abstract: The present application relates to an apparatus and method for placing an element (14), such as a steel column or concrete section, into a pile shaft (1) during top-down construction techniques. The apparatus is provided with an upper and lower positioning means (2, 3) which allow the plan position of the element at upper and lower levels respectively to be adjusted.

Abstract: There is provided a medical device for implantation in a body including: a substrate formed from a material capable of acting as an active sensing material for sensing a physiologically or clinically relevant parameter; at least one sensor for sensing a physiologically or clinically relevant parameter, each sensor including a portion of the substrate which is configured to act as an active sensing material; and telemetric communication means coupled to said at least one sensor for telemetrically transmitting data related to a parameter sensed by the at least one sensor to a remote device.

Abstract: There is disclosed a medical device for implantation in a body comprising: one or more sensors for sensing a physiologically or clinically relevant parameter; and telemetric communications means for telemetrically transmitting data related to a parameter sensed by the one or more sensors to a remote device.

Abstract: There is disclosed a medical device adapted to be implanted in the heart of a patient and operable therein i) as a heart valve; or ii) to assist in the functioning of one of the patient's heart valves; or iii) to monitor the functioning of one of the patient's heart valves. The device includes one or more sensors for sensing a physiologically or clinically relevant parameter of a patient. A telemetric communication device telemetrically transmits data related to a parameter sensed by the sensor to a remote device.

Abstract: The present application relates to a tool having a cutting apparatus for enlarging a portion of an underground pile shaft. The tool is provided with a collecting device which is disposed below the cutting means in order that spoil generated when performing a cutting action on ground material surrounding the pile shaft can be collected. The size of the collecting device is adjustable thereby allowing the volume of spoil which may be accommodated by the collecting means to be varied. A compacting mechanism for compressing the spoil collected in the collecting device may also be provided for reducing the volume of the spoil.

Abstract: The present application relates to a tool having a cutting means for enlarging a portion of an underground pile shaft. The tool is provided with a collecting means which is disposed below the cutting means in order that spoil generated when performing a cutting action on ground material surrounding the pile shaft can be collected. The size of the collecting means is adjustable thereby allowing the volume of spoil which may be accommodated by the collecting means to be varied. A compacting device for compressing the spoil collected in the collecting means may also be provided for reducing the volume of the spoil.

Abstract: A reel change apparatus for supplying a webbing material to a downstream machine has two sliding platens that are substantially linearly slidable between a respective standby position and a respective splicing position. Two reel holding members each hold a reeled web in a respective material supply position and a respective wait position. The two sliding platens have clamps for retaining a leading end of a new web. A pivotable platen has a clamp for retaining the trailing end of a running web. Adhesive provided on the leading end is exposed and supported on the sliding platens. The leading end of the new web may be retained on one sliding platen in the respective standby position while a running web passes over the other sliding platen.

Abstract: An apparatus for investigating a sample with ultrasound has a probe head formed by a casing, a transducer element of piezoelectric plastics material, and a source for applying a high frequency pulse to the sample. The source is preferably one end of an optical fibre, which fibre extends to a laser remote from the probe head. The transducer element is connected to the sample by an acoustic coupling medium, e.g. water. Thus, the probe head can be moved relative to the sample, and a compact, but efficient, structure is achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus for investigating a sample with ultrasound has a probe head formed by a casing, a transducer element of piezoelectric plastics material, and a source for applying a high frequency pulse to the sample. The source is preferably one end of an optical fibre, which fibre extends to a laser remote from the probe head. The transducer element is connected to the sample by an acoustic coupling medium, e.g. water. Thus, the probe head can be moved relative to the sample, and a compact, but efficient, structure is achieved.

Abstract: A piezoelectric transducer of piezoelectric plastic material comprises a body and activated transducer film formed integrally. Electrodes are formed on opposite sides of the film, and a backing material supports the film on one side. The transducer may be formed by molding, applying the electrodes and activating the film by means of a corona discharge.

Abstract: A gas sensor has a layer of a semiconductor organic polymer, such as polypyrrole which is exposed to a gas to be detected. An alternating electric signal of varying frequency is applied to the sensor by an analyser, which detects the change in impedance characteristics of the sensor. The characteristics obtained are compared by microcomputer with reference characterisitcs stored in a memory. The resulting difference spectra depend on the gas in contact with the sensor and so the gas can be detected.