摘要:
A probe comprises an excitation source and a double-core optical fibre. A pulsed laser signal (20) of the excitation source is supplied to the outer core (42) at one end of the optical fibre. The other end is provided with an interferometer film (18). An excitation signal (22) produced in the sample (10) modulates the thickness of the film (18). This provides an interferometer signal (26, 28) detected from the inner core (40).
摘要:
The use of an occlusive or semi-occlusive membrane is described for promotion of bone growth in orthopaedic surgery, wherein a bone injury is sealed by closing the injury with a membrane which is substantially inert to body fluids and is adapted to prevent ingrowth of fibrous tissue into said injury. Preferably, the membrane is a laminate of at least two layers comprising a first layer having openings of a size which are adapted to be penetrated by fibrous soft tissue, and a second layer which is non-porous or has pores which are too small to be penetrated by soft tissue, the second layer being adapted to lie adjacent the bone injury.
摘要:
The invention provides isolated non-selective cation channel proteins which are (a) activatable by noxious heat; (b) obtainable from human T lymphocytes; (c) not capsaicin sensitive, particularly the VR-L protein (Seq ID No. 2), plus or variants (e.g. homologues or fragments) thereof. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding these (e.g. Seq ID No. 1), or which have utility in probing, amplifying or down-regulating these. Methods of providing the proteins and nucleic acids are disclosed, as are vectors, host cells, and organisms utilising them, and antibodies. Also disclosed are methods of influencing the electrophysiological and/or pharmacological properties of a cell (e.g. by way of therapy) based on manipulation of the proteins or nucleic acids, and methods for screening for substances having ion-channel modulating activity (which may be potential analgesics or other compounds which affect nociception, immunomodulatory agents or neuromodulatory agents).
摘要:
This invention relates to flexible tubular conduits or pipes particularly in situations where the conduits need to withstand relatively high pressures. In such cases, the conduits are reinforced by helically wound armor which is compliant in flexure, and profiled to allow each subsequent turn to interlock with the previous turn. The invention provides a locking mechanism (8, 9) located in the axial direction of the tubular conduit comprising one or more projections (8) on one or both radial sides and a corresponding number of sockets (9) on the opposing radial sides, such that the projections (8) of one turn of the winding (10) engaging in the sockets (9) of the next turn of the winding (10), each projection (8) having an enlarged head portion (11) connected to a body by a narrow neck portion (12), and each socket having a corresponding shape to hold the projection captive in the socket, the sockets (8) and projections (9) having dimensions to allow a limited relative rotation between the adjacent turns of the winding and to resist separation, closing, and relative radial movement of the respective turns.
摘要:
A highly efficient mixed flow pump can prevent flow separation which is likely to occur in the corner portion of the flow passage of the diffuser section. The mixed flow pump comprises a casing having an axis and defining an impeller section and a diffuser section disposed downstream of the impeller section with stationary diffuser blades protruding from a hub. The diffuser blades are formed so that an angular difference, between a hub blade angle and a casing blade angle, is chosen to conform to a specific distribution pattern along a flow passage of the diffuser section.
摘要:
A method of determining the ratio of the absolute absorption coefficients νa(μ2) and νa(μ1) of a light scattering medium at two different wavelengths comprising: a) passing light (as herein defined) through the medium; b) measuring a characteristic X of the light at two wavelengths μ1 and μ2 which is affected by the absorption coefficient during its passage through the medium; c) effecting changes Δνa(μ1) and Δνa(μ2) in the absorption coefficients at the two wavelengths; d) repeating step (b); e) determining the ratio of the absolute absorption coefficients νa(μ1) and νa(μ2) at said two wavelengths from the said changes therein Δνa(μ1) and Δνa(μ2) or from quantities representative thereof, from the characteristic X, and from the ratio of transport scattering coefficients of the medium νs'(μ1) and νs'(μ2) at the two wavelengths.
摘要:
The invention relates to the use of antigenic and/or immunoregulatory material derived from (Mycobacterium vaccae) for therapy of HIV infection with or without AIDS and with or without associated tuberculosis.
摘要:
A medical needle is made of non-metallic, non-magnetic materials such that medical interventional procedures requiring needle access to people, animals or isolated tissues can be performed in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner without significant artefact or image distortion. The dimensions of the needle are adaptable to the task required.
摘要:
Osteoblasts are cultured on a surface having a topography adapted to promote or enhance formation of bone, thus directing bone formation at predictable and desired sites. In an assay for the effects of a drug on bone formation, osteoblasts are cultured in a groove approximately 350 microns wide and 200 microns deep. The bone formation surface can be provided on a culture plate or on a prosthetic implant or transplant.