Abstract: An improved monocyte activation test is described that is better able to detect non-endotoxin pyrogens in medical products, in which a sample is incubated with a monocyte-containing reagent in an assay system comprising at least one surface comprising polypropylene. The invention also concerns assay systems for use in these tests that include at least one microtiter well having at least one interior surface comprising polypropylene and having a shape such that monocyte-containing reagent is concentrated in the well to provide greater cell to cell contact. The invention also relates to a diagnostic kit that can be used to test for the presence of non-endotoxin pyrogens in a sample.

Abstract: An improved monocyte activation test is described that is better able to detect non-endotoxin pyrogens in medical products, in which a sample is incubated with a monocyte-containing reagent in an assay system comprising at least one surface comprising polypropylene. The invention also concerns assay systems for use in these tests that include at least one microtiter well having at least one interior surface comprising polypropylene and having a shape such that monocyte-containing reagent is concentrated in the well to provide greater cell to cell contact. The invention also relates to a diagnostic kit that can be used to test for the presence of non-endotoxin pyrogens in a sample.

Abstract: An improved monocyte activation test is described that is better able to detect non-endotoxin pyrogens in medical products, in which a sample is incubated with a monocyte-containing reagent in an assay system comprising at least one surface comprising polypropylene. The invention also concerns assay systems for use in these tests that include at least one microtiter well having at least one interior surface comprising polypropylene and having a shape such that monocyte-containing reagent is concentrated in the well to provide greater cell to cell contact. The invention also relates to a diagnostic kit that can be used to test for the presence of non-endotoxin pyrogens in a sample.

Abstract: An improved monocyte activation test is described that is better able to detect non-endotoxin pyrogens in medical products, in which a sample is incubated with a monocyte-containing reagent in an assay system comprising at least one surface comprising polypropylene. The invention also concerns assay systems for use in these tests that include at least one microtiter well having at least one interior surface comprising polypropylene and having a shape such that monocyte-containing reagent is concentrated in the well to provide greater cell to cell contact. The invention also relates to a diagnostic kit that can be used to test for the presence of non-endotoxin pyrogens in a sample.

Abstract: An improved monocyte activation test is described that is better able to detect non-endotoxin pyrogens in medical products, in which a sample is incubated with a monocyte-containing reagent in an assay system comprising at least one surface comprising polypropylene. The invention also concerns assay systems for use in these tests that include at least one microtiter well having at least one interior surface comprising polypropylene and having a shape such that monocyte-containing reagent is concentrated in the well to provide greater cell to cell contact. The invention also relates to a diagnostic kit that can be used to test for the presence of non-endotoxin pyrogens in a sample.

Abstract: An improved monocyte activation test is described that is better able to detect non-endotoxin pyrogens in medical products, in which a sample is incubated with a monocyte-containing reagent in an assay system comprising at least one surface comprising polypropylene. The invention also concerns assay systems for use in these tests that include at least one microtiter well having at least one interior surface comprising polypropylene and having a shape such that monocyte-containing reagent is concentrated in the well to provide greater cell to cell contact. The invention also relates to a diagnostic kit that can be used to test for the presence of non-endotoxin pyrogens in a sample.

Abstract: An improved monocyte activation test is described that is better able to detect non-endotoxin pyrogens in medical products, in which a sample is incubated with a monocyte-containing reagent in an assay system comprising at least one surface comprising polypropylene. The invention also concerns assay systems for use in these tests that include at least one microtiter well having at least one interior surface comprising polypropylene and having a shape such that monocyte-containing reagent is concentrated in the well to provide greater cell to cell contact. The invention also relates to a diagnostic kit that can be used to test for the presence of non-endotoxin pyrogens in a sample.

Abstract: An improved monocyte activation test is described that is better able to detect non-endotoxin pyrogens in medical products, in which a sample is incubated with a monocyte-containing reagent in an assay system comprising at least one surface comprising polypropylene. The invention also concerns assay systems for use in these tests that include at least one microtiter well having at least one interior surface comprising polypropylene and having a shape such that monocyte-containing reagent is concentrated in the well to provide greater cell to cell contact. The invention also relates to a diagnostic kit that can be used to test for the presence of non-endotoxin pyrogens in a sample.

Abstract: An improved monocyte activation test is described that is better able to detect non-endotoxin pyrogens in medical products, in which a sample is incubated with a monocyte-containing reagent in an assay system comprising at least one surface comprising polypropylene. The invention also concerns assay systems for use in these tests that include at least one microtiter well having at least one interior surface comprising polypropylene and having a shape such that monocyte-containing reagent is concentrated in the well to provide greater cell to cell contact. The invention also relates to a diagnostic kit that can be used to test for the presence of non-endotoxin pyrogens in a sample.

Abstract: A method and system of translating data from a first format into one or more translated formats includes initiating a translation request on one of plurality of client systems. The translation request includes source data to be translated from the first format into desired translated formats and configuration data defining each type of translation to be performed on the source data. The translation request is communicated to a server system and is processed on the server system to determine from the configuration data the type of each data translation to be performed on the data. The data is provided to an appropriate translation service on the server system and is translated to the appropriate translated format via the corresponding translation service. A return translation request is communicated to the client system, the return translation request including the data in each translated format.

Abstract: The container inspection system operates globally at container handling facilities around the world and includes at least one transport apparatus located at a container handling facility having a spreader or other framework for connecting and handling cargo containers of all shapes and sizes. The transport apparatus is in communication with a computer network including several computing devices that provide to the transport apparatus comparison data including load models, load signatures, weight profile, and sensory limits related to a particular container. Sensors can be located on the spreader, inside the container, and invasively through the container and provide scanned characteristic data that is compared to the comparison data to determine a pass status or a fail status for the container. Ancillary data and authority input may be provided to the system by outside sources, such as other inspection systems and governmental entities.

Abstract: Methods for the preparation of nanosized nutrient formulations for enhanced absorption of nutritional agents. The methods include the complexation of cyclodextrin with carotenoids and incorporation of the complexes into the nutritional supplements without intermediate collection, isolation, and drying steps.

Abstract: An improved monocyte activation test is described that is better able to detect non-endotoxin pyrogens in medical products, in which a sample is incubated with a monocyte-containing reagent in an assay system comprising at least one surface comprising polypropylene. The invention also concerns assay systems for use in these tests that include at least one microtiter well having at least one interior surface comprising polypropylene and having a shape such that monocyte-containing reagent is concentrated in the well to provide greater cell to cell contact. The invention also relates to a diagnostic kit that can be used to test for the presence of non-endotoxin pyrogens in a sample.

Abstract: Generates self-checking software by providing characteristics of a specification; traversing points in state space defined by the characteristics to generate stand-alone test code; determining if the generated code is deterministic; and forming expected results of the test code into a standalone, self-checking body of test cases. The expected results may be merged back into randomly generated test cases to form the standalone, self-checking body of test cases.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and set of compositions are disclosed for calibrating a bio-photonic scanner. The scanner detects selected molecular structures of tissues, nondestructively, in vivo. The apparatus may include a computer, including processor and memory connecting to the scanner, including an illuminator to direct light nondestructively onto tissue in vivo, a detector to detect an intensity of a radiant response of the tissue to the light, and a probe to direct light onto the subject and receive a radiant response back into the detector. The apparatus is calibrated using a synthetic material to mimic the radiant response of live tissue, correcting for background fluorescence and elastic scattering. Dopants in a matrix of synthetic material mimic selected molecular structures of tissue. Matrix materials include a dilatant compound, and dopants include biological materials as well as K-type polarizing film powdered and mixed.

Abstract: A method and system of translating data from a first format into one or more translated formats includes initiating a translation request on one of plurality of client systems. The translation request includes source data to be translated from the first format into desired translated formats and configuration data defining each type of translation to be performed on the source data. The translation request is communicated to a server system and is processed on the server system to determine from the configuration data the type of each data translation to be performed on the data. The data is provided to an appropriate translation service on the server system and is translated to the appropriate translated format via the corresponding translation service. A return translation request is communicated to the client system, the return translation request including the data in each translated format.

Abstract: A metallurgical vessel having a cylindrical upper end section (21) and a top section (22) fitted to the upper end of section (21) to form a top closure of the vessel about a central opening (24) through which to extend a gas injection lance for injecting gas into the vessel. Top section (22) is formed as a two-part domed construction comprising an outer annular panel (71) welded to the vessel top section (21) and an inner annular panel (72) removably fastened to outer panel (71), both panels being formed with inwardly concave curvature so as to form together the continuously domed top section (22). The two panels (71, 72) are fastened together by clamping bolts (79) extended through outturned flanges (76, 77) formed on annular flanges standing up from the panels (71, 72). On release of bolts (79) panel (72) is removable to provide access to the interior of the vessel.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and set of compositions are disclosed for calibrating a bio-photonic scanner. The scanner detects selected molecular structures of tissues, nondestructively, in vivo. The apparatus may include a computer, including processor and memory connecting to the scanner, including an illuminator to direct light nondestructively onto tissue in vivo, a detector to detect an intensity of a radiant response of the tissue to the light, and a probe to direct light onto the subject and receive a radiant response back into the detector. The apparatus is calibrated using a synthetic material to mimic the radiant response of live tissue, correcting for background fluorescence and elastic scattering. Dopants in a matrix of synthetic material mimic selected molecular structures of tissue. Matrix materials include a dilatant compound, and dopants include biological materials as well as K-type polarizing film powdered and mixed.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical preparation is described while is useful for the treatment of inflammatory processes being accompanied by an increased distribution of cytokines and/or tissue factor in the human body, which preparation contains Antithrombin III as active ingredient.

Abstract: The invention concerns an improved pyrogenicity test for use in automated immunoassay systems, in which a sample is incubated with a monocyte-containing reagent in a pyrogen-free assay system preferably comprising a surface coated with pyrogen-free anti-cytokine antibodies. The invention also concerns pyrogen-free assay systems coated with pyrogen-free antibodies for use in these tests. The invention also relates to a test to measure the basal production of endogenous mediators of the inflammatory response by leukocytes and a method of measuring the capacity of a leukocyte to respond to a stimuli.