Abstract

Analogue to digital data converter (ADC) (1) comprising an analogue signal input (2) and a digital signal output (3), wherein an analogue amplifier (4) is provided in a signal path (6) from the analogue signal input (2) to the digital signal output (3), and comprising a processor (5) that receivingly connects to the analogue amplifier (4) and forms a feedback loop with said analogue amplifier (4), wherein the processor (5) provides an analogue offset signal that modifies an analogue signal in the signal path (6) from the analogue signal input to the digital signal output (3), wherein both the input signal and the analogue offset signal are provided to the analogue amplifier (4) through separate circuit elements (C1, C3), and the processor (5) comprises control logic (11) for switches (phi1 - phi5) that are arranged to connect a charge-injecting organ, preferably a charged capacitor (C3), to the input (7) of the analogue amplifier (4) so as to provide the analogue off-set signal to the analogue amplifier (4).

IPC Classes  ?

• H03M 1/12 - Analogue/digital converters
• H03M 1/18 - Automatic control for modifying the range of signals the converter can handle, e.g. gain ranging
• H03M 1/14 - Conversion in steps with each step involving the same or a different conversion means and delivering more than one bit
• H03M 1/48 - Servo-type converters
• H03M 1/36 - Analogue value compared with reference values simultaneously only, i.e. parallel type

Abstract

The present invention relates to genetic and biochemical markers of longevity, that were identified as common genetic variation associated with longevity in cohorts of elderly subjects. In particular the genetic markers for longevity of the invention concern a collection of nucleic acid molecules comprising a nucleotide sequence that is in linkage disequilibrium with a SNP that is associated with longevity in cohorts of elderly subjects. In another embodiment of the invention the genetic markers for longevity are a nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences that are differentially expressed between a population that expresses excess survival and a control population. In a further aspect the invention relates to portfolio's comprising subsets of the genetic markers for longevity. The genetic markers for longevity of the invention may be used in methods for determining genetic predisposition for longevity, methods of screening for a substance that modulates the biological aging rate or a substance that is capable of modulation of longevity and/or life expectancy, and/or methods for assessing physiological age.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12Q 1/68 - Measuring or testing processes involving enzymes, nucleic acids or microorganismsCompositions thereforProcesses of preparing such compositions involving nucleic acids

Abstract

The invention pertains to a device for testing the lung function in a subject, comprising a pump for providing a gas flow, an actuator for driving said pump, a sensor for determining a flow parameter of said gas flow, and a control unit, operationally coupled to said sensor for receiving at least one flow parameter from said sensor and operationally coupled to said actuator for controlling said actuator, said control unit having a processor and software for calculating a passive inspiration manoeuvre following an active inspiration manoeuvre using said flow parameters.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 5/093 - Measuring volume of inspired or expired gases, e.g. to determine lung capacity the gases being exhaled into, or inhaled from, an expansible chamber, e.g. bellows or expansible bag

Abstract

The present invention provides a novel approach to the modulation of the immune response, directing it towards specific antigens, away from antigens against which no response is desired. The invention is based on the use of viral immune evasion proteins, such as UL49.5, which block antigen presentation to CD8+ T cells. The viral immune evasion proteins are used for: 1) the induction of tumor-specific or virus-specific immunity in cases where a conventional immune response is absent due to antigen processing defects; 2) the induction of empty MHC class I molecules at the cell surface that can be loaded with peptides of a desired specificity; 3) the inhibition of unwanted immune responses against transplanted tissues or organs, e.g. against islets of Langerhans in type 1 diabetes or allogeneic stem cells, or against self antigens in the case of autoimmunity.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 39/245 - Herpetoviridae, e.g. herpes simplex virus
• C07K 14/03 - Herpetoviridae, e.g. pseudorabies virus
• C12N 5/0784 - Dendritic cellsProgenitors thereof