Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of profiling tumours and characterisation of the tissue types associated with the tumours. A gene expression profile is obtained from the tissue sample, the genes ranked in order of their relative expression levels and the tissue type identified by comparing the gene ranking obtained with a database of relative gene expression level rankings of different tissue types. This gives a means to identify primary tumours and to determine the identity of a tumour of unknown primary. The invention also provides a method of treatment of a tumour by diagnosis of primary tumours identified by the methods described.

Abstract: Pencils that have an outer sheath comprising a base elastomer and reclaimed rubber for enclosing an inner marking core therein. The base elastomer provides a vulcanizate with basic physical and environmental resistant properties including at a minimum elasticity, flexibility, and relative impermeability to water and air while the reclaimed rubber advantageously extends the base elastomer to reduce cost and help reduce quantities of existing environmentally harmful waste. By not incorporating wood in the sheath, the present invention does not contribute to deforestation or consumption of a natural resource, but to the contrary, describes an efficient use for used tires. In addition, the pencils of the present invention are easier to manufacture than wooden pencils and generate less health hazards.

Abstract: A water soluble, or water dispersible, polymeric film comprising a layer of a first polymer resistant to dissolution and/or softening on handling with wet hands, and a layer of a second polymer resistant to insolubilization in water by perborate ions. Such films have a variety of uses particularly when they have a layer of an at least cold water soluble polymer between the layers of the said first and second polymers, for example in the packaging log washing products or agrochemicals. The first polymer layer is preferably discontinuous so that in the large body of water the film has reduced strength so that water can pass through the film when the film is agitated in the water.