Abstract: This invention relates to a second generation, plant-produced synthetic Orbivirus candidate vaccine. The vaccine comprises a plant produced chimaeric Orbivirus virus like particle (VLP) comprising at least one structural protein from one Orbivirus serotype and at least one structural protein selected from another serotype of the Orbivirus, wherein both structural capsid proteins are from the same Orbivirus species. In particular the invention relates to a vaccine against an Orbivirus, a method of producing chimaeric Orbivirus virus-like particles (VLPs) for use in a method of prevention and/or treatment of an Orbivirus infection, the use of the chimaeric Orbivirus VLPs in the manufacture of a vaccine for an Orbivirus, and a method of preventing and/or treating an Orbivirus infection.

Abstract: An implantable device for aiding in generating connective tissue between a pair of anatomical structures in a mammalian body is provided. The device includes an elongate, flexible tether which can be secured between the anatomical structures and which carries a scaffold which is generally porous so as to be capable of promoting tissue ingrowth and collagen deposition along its length. The scaffold extends along the tether for a sufficient distance so that it is securable in at least close proximity to an anatomical structure at either end. The pores in the scaffold extend through the scaffold and each has a diameter in the range of about 10 ?m to about 200 ?m. The length of the tether is selected to be a desirable maximum distance between the anatomical structures along a desired path when secured therebetween.

Abstract: 6-Thio derivatives of D-luciferin, also referred to as D-thioluciferins, having the general structure of Formula (I) are provided. Methods for synthesising D-luciferin, its derivatives, and their related 2-cyanobenzothiazole precursors are also provided. These compounds are commercially valuable due to their application in optical imaging, particularly in bioluminescence imaging.

Abstract: A coating system (1) is provided which includes an ultrasonic sprayer (3) capable of spraying a coating fluid onto a target surface (5). A convective or infrared heater (21) is associated with the sprayer and is operable to heat the spray (23) produced by the sprayer (3).

Abstract: The technology provided herein generally relates to novel specific photoimmuno-theranostics for the use in detection and elimination of skin cancer cells. The technology also relates to novel methods which generate homogeneous and specific photoimmuno-theranostics reagents in a simple, controlled and efficient way. This method combines molecular optical imaging, photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy using SNAP-tag technology.

Abstract: A wireless radio frequency triggered signal acquisition device includes three orthogonal pick up coils in which voltages will be induced by a time varying, spatially varying magnetic field inside a chamber of an MRI scanner. A radio frequency detection circuit detects radio frequency pulses emitted by an MRI scanner and a wireless transmission circuit transmits data from the device, A 3-axis magnetometer is used for measuring magnetic flux in the chamber of the MRI scanner. A processor uses the detected radio frequency pulses to synchronize measurements taken by the magnetometer and pick-up coils to a time frame of a gradient driver hardware, thereby matching the measurements to a pulse sequence waveform. The processor further combines measurements of induced voltages in the orthogonal pick up coils and the magnetic flux with the pulse sequence waveform in order to solve for the instantaneous position and orientation of the device.

Abstract: An assistive device for a metered dose inhaler decreases the force required to operate the inhaler. The assistive device has a body with a passage for receiving a replaceable conventional metered dose inhaler assembly that has a canister and a transverse mouthpiece with an axis of the canister aligning approximately with that of the passage. At least two symmetrically arranged levers extend in a direction away from the body and parallel to an axis thereof. A proximal end of each lever is attached to the body such that the free opposite ends of the levers may be moved towards and away from each other. An inwardly directed cam surface on each of the levers engages a closed end of a canister in use to move the canister longitudinally to cause a dose of medicament to be dispensed from the canister. An optional dose counter may form part of the device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a second generation, plant-produced synthetic Orbivirus candidate vaccine. The vaccine comprises a plant produced chimaeric Orbivirus virus like particle (VLP) comprising at least one structural protein from one Orbivirus serotype and at least one structural protein selected from another serotype of the Orbivirus, wherein both structural capsid proteins are from the same Orbivirus species. In particular the invention relates to a vaccine against an Orbivirus, a method of producing chimaeric Orbivirus virus-like particles (VLPs) for use in a method of prevention and/or treatment of an Orbivirus infection, the use of the chimaeric Orbivirus VLPs in the manufacture of a vaccine for an Orbivirus, and a method of preventing and/or treating an Orbivirus infection.

Abstract: A sensor for monitoring utility poles includes a sensing module to detect a physical quantity from a utility pole or a conductor supported by a utility pole to which the sensor is attached in use. A power supply supplies power to the device and a memory for storing sensor data. A communications module is used for transmitting and receiving sensor data to and from one or more sensors which are attached to other utility poles located adjacent to or nearby the utility pole. A processor uses the detected sensor data together with received sensor data to calculate if the utility pole to which the sensor is attached has changed its physical condition, and wherein if the processor calculates that the utility pole to which the sensor is attached has changed its physical condition, a message is transmitted via the communications module to a remote server.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of synthesising derivatives of ?-D-glucopyranoside-containing polymers, such as chitin, chitosan, cellulose, amylose, pullulan, curdlan, inulin, guar gum or cyclodextrin. The method includes reacting a polymer of formula (III) with a cyclic imide to form a polymer of formula (I) thereby introducing a nitrogen functionality at the 6-position and providing access to 6-deoxy-6-amino-?-D-glucopyranoside-containing polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a recombinant HIV glycoprotein polypeptide in a plant and to trimeric complexes of the recombinant, plant-produced HIV glycoprotein polypeptide which mimic the native HIV Env complex. The invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding the recombinant polypeptides, expression vectors containing the aforementioned nucleic acids and to pharmaceutical compositions, uses and methods of eliciting an immune response against HIV in a subject using the recombinant polypeptides and trimeric complexes.

Abstract: A method of coating a membrane having a first side and an opposite second side and carried with its second side adhering to a backer film is provided. The method includes coating the first side of the membrane with a catalyst ink or slurry with the second side adhering to the backer film and curing the coating on the first side. The backer film is then removed to expose the second side of the membrane which is fed onto a vacuum conveyor with the coated first side facing the conveyor. The second side of the membrane is then coated with a catalyst ink or slurry and the coating on the second side cured after which the membrane is removed from the vacuum conveyor.

Abstract: A motion capture system and method are provided. In a motion capture method, a plurality of motion datasets are accessed. Each motion dataset is associated with a motion sensing unit at which timestamped motion data points of that motion dataset are generated, each motion sensing unit is configured to be in physical contact with a different part of a body of interest. Each timestamped motion data point is timestamped at the motion sensing unit at which it is generated using a clock time that is synchronized across the plurality of motion sensing units. The timestamped motion data points are processed to generate a kinematic model which describes motion of the respective parts of the body of interest.

Abstract: This invention relates new radiopharmaceutical conjugates for use in improved methods of diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The radiopharmaceutical conjugate comprises, in sequence: a metabolite that targets tumour cells, bound to a chelating agent capable of containing a radionuclide, bound to a linker capable of binding with an EPR agent in vitro or in vivo; or a chelating agent capable of containing a radionuclide, bound to a metabolite that targets tumour cells, bound to a linker capable of binding with an EPR agent in vitro or in vivo. The radiopharmaceutical conjugates of the present invention provide active and passive targeted radio nuclide delivery systems that can help to improve the biodistribution and pharmacological toxicity of the radiopharmaceuticals used for the diagnosis and therapy of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fusion protein consisting of a scFv linked to a horseradish peroxidase enzyme or to an alkaline phosphatase enzyme by a peptide linker. The fusion protein also includes a histidine tag and optionally an endoplasmic reticulum retention signal. The invention also includes nucleic acids encoding the fusion protein, expression vectors containing the nucleic acids, plant cells transformed with the expression vectors and methods of producing the fusion proteins of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method of synthesising derivatives of ?-D-glucopyranoside-containing polymers, such as chitin, chitosan, cellulose, amylose, pullulan, curdlan, inulin, guar gum or cyclodextrin. The method includes reacting a polymer of formula (III) with a cyclic imide to form a polymer of formula (I) thereby introducing a nitrogen functionality at the 6-position and providing access to 6-deoxy-6-amino-?-D-glucopyranoside-containing polymers.

Abstract: An implantable device for aiding in generating connective tissue between a pair of anatomical structures in a mammalian body is provided. The device includes an elongate, flexible tether which can be secured between the anatomical structures and which carries a scaffold which is generally porous so as to be capable of promoting tissue ingrowth and collagen deposition along its length. The scaffold extends along the tether for a sufficient distance so that it is securable in at least close proximity to an anatomical structure at either end. The pores in the scaffold extend through the scaffold and each has a diameter in the range of about 10 ?m to about 200 ?m. The length of the tether is selected to be a desirable maximum distance between the anatomical structures along a desired path when secured therebetween.

Abstract: An orientation tracking device includes a memory for storing data including magnetic reference data relating to the direction of a static magnetic field of a magnetic imaging scanner in a selected principle co-ordinate frame and earth gravitational reference data relating to the direction of the gravitational field of the earth in the principle co-ordinate frame. The device also includes an accelerometer, magnetometer and communication module. A processor is adapted for receiving from the magnetometer measured magnetic field vector and from the accelerometer a measured acceleration vector. These vectors are in a co-ordinate frame of the orientation tracking device, within the magnetic imaging scanner in which the orientation tracking device is placed in use.

Abstract: A method of estimating characteristics of new leaks formed in an isolated section of a water distribution system supplied through a pressure reducing valve. The pressure reducing valve is used to vary the pressure in the isolated section to at least two different pressure settings during a minimum night flow period at which the measured pressure and flow rate into the system are taken at each pressure setting. The leak characteristics are estimated by subtracting an estimated user consumption from the measured flow rate in each instance. The same measurements are repeated one or more days later. The estimated leak characteristics derived on a later date are compared with those derived on an earlier date to establish a difference in the estimated leak characteristics to determine if there is a new leak or leaks in the isolated section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polygenic DNA construct consisting of three abiotic stress tolerance genes, separated by nucleic acids encoding FMDV 2A peptides under the control of a stress inducible promoter. The stable insertion of the construct into plants confers drought tolerance to the plants. The invention also provides for vectors, host cells, transgenic plants and transgenic seeds containing the construct.