Abstract: The disclosure features a method of determining whether a patient diagnosed as having cancer is likely to respond to treatment with an effective amount of a biguanide. This method includes (a) determining an expression level of miR-17˜92 in a sample obtained from the patient; and (b) comparing the expression level to a reference expression level of miR-17˜92, where an increased expression level of miR-17˜92 in the sample as compared to a reference expression level identifies the patient as one who is likely to respond to treatment including administration of the effective amount of the biguanide. Also featured are methods of treating patients having a cancer that is likely to respond to treatment with an effective amount of a biguanide.

Abstract: An inhaler device, such as a personal vaporizer or an electronic smoking article, for generating vapour (V) for inhalation includes a body portion for generating the vapour for inhalation; and a mouthpiece provided on the body portion for insertion into the mouth of a user and including at least one channel for conveying the vapour to the user. The mouthpiece is configured for movement relative to the body portion, especially translational movement and/or rotational movement, between a first position and a second position in order to switch the device between a deactivated state and an activated state, respectively. A corresponding method of operating an inhaler device, such as an electronic cigarette is also provided.

Abstract: A turbulence-generating grid for producing a turbulent flow is provided. The grid has a top and a bottom and opposed sides and comprises a number N of layers, each layer being defined between respective pairs of horizontal bars and the sides of the grid. Each layer is subdivided by a number cn of vertical bars so as to define a plurality of respective through holes between at least adjacent pairs of the vertical bars and the horizontal bars. At least one of the dimensions and the spacings of the vertical bars of one of the layers is different from the at least one of the dimensions and the spacings of the vertical bars of another of the layers.

Abstract: A comminuting apparatus has a coaxial throwing wheel and impact rotor, the throwing wheel preferably comprising a plurality of channels for conducting particles from a central axis inlet to a plurality of particle exits to impact the impact rotor. The throwing wheel can be an assembly of wear-resistant inserts forming the channels. Flow channels through the throwing wheel can be configured, such as converging towards the particle exits to minimize energy loss during acceleration of the particles. Further, the comminuting apparatus can include a housing for ready access to the throwing wheel and impact rotor. A two-part housing is reversibly separable for accessing the comminuting chamber, throwing wheel and impact rotor within.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic fixed income securities management and trading system and method for aggregating customer demand for investment securities, especially fixed income securities, and identifying suitable offered securities to meet that demand. This system and method enables the collection, organization, and integration of securities demand information from multiple sources, and provides techniques to identify which securities among those available for sale have sets of characteristics that satisfy the demand criteria, preferably with a menu driven system.

Abstract: A method for separating a substance such as a hydrocarbon from a particulate material such as soil is provided. An aqueous slurry is formed and a shear force is applied to the slurry, such as in a reversible helical screw conveyor, while the slurry is vibrated. The substance thus separated can then be removed from the particulate material.

Abstract: A computer and Internet based system and method for managing portfolios of various securities, especially fixed income securities, is provided. This system and method enables the defining of the various investment goals and strategies for the portfolios and enables the evaluation of the suitability of potential purchases and/or sales of securities related to the portfolios, preferably with a menu driven system. The system and method combines portfolio modeling and analytics with tools that connect investment managers to buyers and sellers in fixed income securities markets. The integration of decision-making analytics with bond market access creates a more efficient way to manage, buy and/or sell fixed income securities.

Abstract: A grinding machine, in particular a face grinder for grinding the faces of silicon wafers, has a grinding wheel spindle (20) and a work spindle (22) which are mounted so as to be pivotal about axes (A and B) respectively, each axis being perpendicular to the rotational axis of its respective spindle and being orthogonal to the rotation axis of the other spindle. Three sensors or probes (1 to 3) are provided to measure the position of one spindle relative to the other and to generate signals for controlling servo motors (26, 28) for adjusting the angular orientation of each spindle about its pivotal axis.