Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting the presence or absence of a bacterial pathogen in a biological sample obtained from a human or animal subject, using an internal control. In particular, the invention relates to a method for detecting the presence or absence of Streptococcus equi in an equine sample using a control bacterial strain as internal control for DNA extraction and PCR. The invention also relates to host cells (such as bacterial cells) and nucleic acids for use as internal standard in said method in addition to diagnostic kits comprising said host cells and nucleic acids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting the presence or absence of a bacterial pathogen in a biological sample obtained from a human or animal subject, using an internal control. In particular, the invention relates to a method for detecting the presence or absence of Streptococcus equi in an equine sample using a control bacterial strain as internal control for DNA extraction and PCR. The invention also relates to host cells (such as bacterial cells) and nucleic acids for use as internal standard in said method in addition to diagnostic kits comprising said host cells and nucleic acids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying data. In one embodiment, the method displays a summary icon at an intersection of a row and a column in a first display state. The method similarly displays the summary icon and the data represented by the summary icon by expanding a display pane to accommodate the data in a second display state.

Abstract: A device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of tools. The device is preferably configured to be hand held and preferably has at least one tool at each end. The device includes a first module having a first tool and a second module having a second tool. The first module and second module are releasably coupled to form the device and may be coupled in any suitable manner. For example, each module may be coupled to a separate coupler, or a coupler may be formed in one or both of the modules to enable the two to be releasably attached.

Abstract: A device for at least one of neural sensor placement and taking reference system measurements may include a front frame member supportable by a person's nose when the device is placed on the person's head for at least one of neural sensor placement, taking reference system measurements or for other purposes. A pair of sidebar frame members may be attached to opposite ends of the front frame member. Each sidebar frame member may be respectively supported by one of the person's ears when the device is placed on the person's head. A back frame member includes opposite ends that may be respectively attached to each of the sidebar frame members. An angle measurement apparatus may be attached to at least one of the sidebar frame members. An arched member may be pivotably attached at one end to the angle measurement apparatus to determine an angle of the arched member relative to the sidebar frame member. An opposite end of the arched member may be attached to another of the sidebar frame members.

Abstract: A power insulated gate field effect transistor has main cells (2) controlled by a main cell insulated gate and sense cells (4) controlled by a sense cell insulated gate. A sample and hold circuit (10,50) is arranged to operate in a plurality of states including at least one sample state and a hold state to sense the current flowing through the sense cells (4) when in the at least one sample state but not in the hold state. The sample states may be used in a feedback loop to control a drive amplifier (20) driving the gates of the main and sense cells (2,4) and/or to mirror the current in the sense cells (4) on a measurement output terminal (58).

Abstract: The food warmer oven includes a cabinet 12 having opposing side walls 16, 18, a top wall 20, a bottom wall 22, a back wall 24, and a front wall 26 defining a heating cavity 28, the front wall 26 defining an opening 30 into the heating cavity 28; a heating source 32 disposed within the heating cavity 28; a drawer frame 38 having a pair of opposing side rails 44, 46, each of the side rails having a front end 48 and a terminal end 50, the side rails being functionally connected with the side walls 16, 18 of the cabinet in a manner such that the drawer frame 38 can be moved between an open position wherein the drawer frame 38 extends substantially exterior of the heating cavity 28 through the opening 30 and a closed position wherein the drawer frame 38 is positioned substantially within the heating cavity 28, the front end 48 of the side rails 44, 46 being positioned proximate the front wall 26 and the terminal end 50 being positioned proximate the back wall 24 when the drawer frame 38 is in the closed position;

Abstract: A tracking array for attachment to an object in a surgical environment includes tracking elements detectable by a surgical navigation system to permit tracking of the object.

Abstract: A broadband intelligent network employs a fast-packet switch having a plurality of ports and a switch processor for establishing switched or permanent virtual port connections, for routing cells through the connections to and from the ports, and for processing network operations signals. A network control system is coupled to the switch processor to receive network operations signals therefrom and to send network operations signals thereto. A network operations system is interfaced with the network control system which routes network operations signals between the switch processor and the network operations system. The operations system may be a family of operations systems which provide respective network support functions including administration, maintenance, provisioning and billing functions.