Abstract: Use of a polypeptide or protein with amino acid sequence corresponding substantially to AFP-type III HPLC 12 as additive in a product for improvement of said product, said improvement residing in improved properties of modification of ice crystal growth processes influencing size and shape characteristics of ice in particular in regrowth thereby e.g. minimising potential freezing damage e.g. by preventing or inhibiting ice recrystallisation of the product upon freezing, said use occurring in a manner known per se for anti freeze peptides to obtain higher specific modification activity in particular antifreeze activity than obtainable with the same amount of Winter Flounder AFP.

Abstract: A low data rate wireless channel (control channel) is associated with a high speed wireless channel (data channel). The data channel is divided into discrete code or time slots (access slots), that are unassigned to any particular recipient or user until requested. In the event that a particular user requires a particular resource, access slots are requested through the control channel, allocated to the user, and allocation information is passed back to the requesting user through the control channel. Direction and/or location information associated with the user is ascertained, through messaging with the user or by antenna sensing. This direction/location information is utilized to directionally broadcast requested resources toward the user to increase signal to noise ratios, reduce interference, and enable spectrum reuse within a cell. Optionally, the location information may also be used to adjust the transmitted power to further reduce interference in the cellular network.

Abstract: A dispending bottle having an open top closed by a cap with a stopper-type drinking valve, and two separate compartments or chambers in upper and lower sections of the bottle joined together by a rotary coupler permitting twisting of the top and bottom sections in opposite direction to open a mixing valve in the mid portion of the bottle. Spiral ribs facilitate gripping and twisting, and flexible walls facilitate mixing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the transmission of multiple control characters of the same type to a receiver to improve the retention of transmitter to receiver synchronization in a noisy environment having receiver code that is less complex and does not require an increase in the bandwidth of the system since the control codes are already utilized to initiate other functions. Detection of any of the control characters of the same type by the receiver allows the receiver to maintain proper synchronization. The receiver will detect these control signals and anticipate the occurrence of an event within a predetermined time period.

Abstract: An alternating pad consisting of transverse inflatable cells (1 and 2) alternately inflated and deflated. An internal cell (5) is provided at the outermost edges of each transverse cell (1,2). The internal cell (5) is constantly inflated at a higher pressure than the traverse cells (1, 2). The internal cell (5) is at a lower height than the cells (1,2) and preferably of a chamfered shape to provide optimum pressure relief across the whole surface of the pad. The internal cell (5) provides stable patient exit, entry or transfer from a bed or seat.

Abstract: Native tumorous and non-tumorous tissues and thermally denatured tissues can all be identified optically in patient livers by means of one or more probes inserted into the liver. Fluorescence and/or diffuse reflectance values can be used for initially locating a tumorous mass, effectively centering a thermal ablation device within a tumor, monitoring ablation of the tumor about the tumor to assure effective denaturation of the tumor, and locating the mass of denatured tissue after the thermal denaturation treatment and after the treated tissue has returned to the temperature of the untreated surrounding tissue. An existing thermal ablation probe can be modified by the provision of optical fiber within a hollow electrode to form an optical probe performing any of the above functions with an illuminating light source, a light detector and a processor.

Abstract: Semi-integrated external cavity diode laser (ECDL) designs including integrated structures comprising a gain section, modulator section, and optional phase control section. Each integrated structure includes a waveguide that passes through each of the sections, with the waveguide further including an in-waveguide mirror. The in-waveguide mirror defines one end of an “effective” laser cavity, with the other end defined by a reflective element disposed generally opposite a rear facet of the integrated structure, forming an external cavity therebetween. The in-waveguide mirror is formed by using a focused ion beam (FIB) cut through the waveguide, or by etching one or more trenches through the waveguide and backfilling the trenches using a re-grown crystal or amorphous material deposition process. A tunable filter is disposed in the external cavity to effectuate tuning of the laser.

Abstract: One or more flapper valve assemblies are placed in a casing string extending through one or more hydrocarbon bearing intervals. The flapper valve assemblies are placed between some of the hydrocarbon bearing intervals. In an open or inoperative position, the flapper valve assemblies are full opening compared to the casing string. The hydrocarbon bearing intervals are stimulated, typically by fracing, starting with the bottom zone. The flapper valve assembly immediately above the stimulated interval is manipulated to allow it to close, preventing downward flow in the well and thereby isolating the lower stimulated interval so an upper interval can be stimulated. The well is easy to put on production because the flapper valves will normally open simply by opening the well at the surface.

Abstract: Semi-integrated external cavity diode laser (ECDL) designs including integrated structures comprising a gain section, phase control section, and optional modulator section. Each integrated structure includes a waveguide that passes through each of the sections. A mirror is defined in the structure to define one end of a laser cavity. A reflective element is disposed generally opposite a rear facet of the gain section, forming an external cavity therebetween. A tunable filter is disposed in the external cavity to effectuate tuning of the laser. During operation, a modulated drive signal is provided to the phase control section. This modulates an optical path length of the laser cavity, which produces an intensity (amplitude) modulation in the laser output. A detector is employed to produce a feedback signal indicative of the intensity modulation that is used for tuning the laser in accordance with a wavelength locking servo loop.

Abstract: Use of a polypeptide or protein with amino acid sequence corresponding substantially to AFP-type III HPLC 12 as additive in a product for improvement of said product, said improvement residing in improved properties of modification of ice crystal growth processes influencing size and shape characteristics of ice in particular in regrowth thereby e.g. minimizing potential freezing damage e.g. by preventing or inhibiting ice recrystallization of the product upon freezing, said use occurring in a manner known per se for anti freeze peptides to obtain higher specific modification activity in particular antifreeze activity than obtainable with the same amount of Winter Flounder AFP.

Abstract: A method and system to improve the retention of synchronization between the transmitter and receiver of image data across a communication channel. If the control character designating the end of the line of data is corrupted, the receiving system will not recognize that the line of data has ended and will continue as if data is still being received. The corruption of a single bit in the control character will cause the receiver to misinterpret the end of line control word. Since the receiving logic does not realize the transmitter is no longer sending data, erroneous data will be stored in the storage elements. By using an alternate control character as an additional end of line indicator, the receiver will terminate the line of data and will wait for the next start of line control character from the transmitter. Synchronization between the transmitter and receiver across the communication channel is thus maintained.

Abstract: An external cavity laser apparatus and method wherein wavelength or channel selection is carried independently from adjustment of external cavity optical path length. The apparatus comprises a wavelength or channel selector tuner and an external cavity tuner, wherein the wavelength tuner is uncoupled from the external cavity tuner. The tuning mechanisms for wavelength selection and cavity optical path length are configured to operate independently or orthogonally with respect to each other. The wavelength tuner may operate according to a first, channel selection signal, while the external cavity tuner operates according to a second, external cavity adjustment signal. The wavelength tuner and external cavity tuner may operate under the control of the same, or of separate controllers.

Abstract: Mode behavior of single longitudinal mode semiconductor lasers are modeled and employed for configuring external cavity lasers, including external cavity diode lasers (ECDLs). In particular, equations employed for modeling active and passive mode pulling effects are derived, and the equations are combined to formulate an equation corresponding to an optimal operating condition under which longitudinal lasing mode stability is enhanced. Under the optimal condition, the laser will operate in a lasing mode with the lowest threshold losses that is also stable. Based on the equation, a full-width-half maximum (FWHM) value for in intracavity filter can be selected to enable the laser to operate under or approach the optimal operating condition.

Abstract: A pressure pad has two sets of cells with a sensor pad positioned under the pad. During inflation, part of the flow goes to the sensor pad to exhaust and the rest fills the cells. Any change in patient position/weight causing a change in airflow in tube will alter the differential pressure measured at a pressure transducer. Based on this feedback a microprocessor directly controls the power level to the pump, thus adjusting the airflow to the cells to prevent bottoming or to rung at a minimum pressure. The pressure pad is segmented into a heel section, upper leg section, torso section, and a head section. The heel, head, and upper leg sections are maintained at a lower pressure, and the torso section at a higher pressure. A control module to control the flow in the segments is provided inside the pressure pad. The pressure pad can be an alternating or static pad.

Abstract: An external defibrillator is customized for at least one person, i.e., an anticipated patient, through creation of a profile for the anticipated patient that allows the defibrillator and users of the defibrillator to provide customized treatment to the patient. The profile may include treatment parameters for the anticipated patient, such as defibrillation therapy parameters selected for the patient. The profile may also include a baseline recording of a physiological parameter of the patient, and medical history and personal information regarding the patient. In some embodiments, the external defibrillator stores a profile for each of one or more anticipated patients within a memory. In other embodiments, a profile for an anticipated patient is stored within a medium associated with that anticipated patient. The medium may, for example, be a removable medium for external defibrillators.

Abstract: A method of reducing the likelihood of pulseless electrical activity (PEA) after defibrillation in a subject comprises administering to a subject afflicted with fibrillation a first treatment waveform, the first treatment waveform insufficient to defibrillate the heart; and then administering to the subject a second treatment waveform that defibrillates the heart and restores organized electrical activity in the heart. The first treatment waveform reduces the likelihood of onset of PEA following the second treatment waveform, as compared to that likelihood which would be present in the absence of the first treatment waveform.

Abstract: A low data rate wireless channel (control channel) is associated with a high speed broadcast mode wireless channel (data channel). The data channel is divided into discrete code or time slots (access slots), that are unassigned to any particular recipient or user until requested. In the event that a particular user requires a particular resource, access slots are requested through the control channel, allocated to the user, and allocation information is passed back to the requesting user through the control channel. By diverting setup and control traffic to a low-bandwidth, always-on quasi real-time control channel, capacity on the data channel can be freed up to enable the high-speed data channel to be dedicated to transmission of high-bandwidth traffic.

Abstract: A pressure pad (1) has two sets of cells (11, 12) with a sensor pad (8) positioned under the pad (1). During inflation, part of the low goes to the sensor pad (8) to exhaust and the rest fills the cells (11 or 12). Any change in patient position/weight causing a change in airflow in tube (10) will alter the differential pressure measured at the pressure transducer (16). Based on this feedback the microprocessor directly controls the power level to the pump (6) thus adjusting the airflow to the cells to prevent bottoming or to rung at a minimum pressure. The pressure pad (1) is segmented into a heel section, upper leg section, torso section, and a head section. The heel, head and upper leg sections are maintained at a lower pressure P1 and the torso section at a higher pressure P2. A control module (50) to control the flow in the segments is provided inside the pressure pad (1). The pressure pad (1) can be an alternating or static pad.

Abstract: A method of reducing the likelihood of pulseless electrical activity (PEA) after defibrillation in a subject comprises administering to a subject afflicted with fibrillation a first treatment waveform, the first treatment waveform insufficient to defibrillate the heart; and then administering to the subject a second treatment waveform that defibrillates the heart and restores organized electrical activity in the heart. The first treatment waveform reduces the likelihood of onset of PEA following the second treatment waveform, as compared to that likelihood which would be present in the absence of the first treatment waveform.

Abstract: A head support apparatus (10) when positioning a person in a prone position comprises a base (199) slidable under a support surface. The base (11) has a central supporting post (12) supporting a frame (16) carrying a head support tray (18). A pressure reducing ring (23) is mounted on the head support tray (18) by straps (24). Contact points along the surface of the pressure reducing ring (23) are protected by a fitted pads (25) designed to improve comfort levels for the user. The pressure reducing ring (23) is clear and comprises a multi-channel air bladder to allow alternating inflating and deflation of the individual chambers to provide pressure relief. The visual and physical access to the users head and facial area is maintained at all times. The structure is self stabilising and can be used with most bed frames, or independently.