Abstract: The rapamycin gene cluster is an example of a gene cluster which includes a gene (rapL) leading to the formation of a precursor compound (pipecolic acid, in this case) which is required for inclusion in the larger product (rapamycin) produced by the enzymes encoded by the cluster. We have produced a mutant strain containing a rapamycin gene cluster in which the rapL gene is disabled. The strain does not naturally produce rapamycin but does so if fed with pipecolic acid. By feeding with alternative carboxylic acids we have produced variants of rapamycins. Tests have shown biological activity.

Abstract: A valve comprises a housing (1) having an inlet (4) and an outlet (5), and a pressure sensing port (8). A piston (6) slides in a part (3) of the housing (1) in response to a difference between a first fluid pressure at the pressure sensing port on the one side of the piston, and a second fluid pressure at the inlet and/or outlet on the other side of the piston (6). A valve member (7) carried by the piston is operable thereby to close the inlet (4) when said second fluid pressure is less than a value sufficiently greater than said first fluid pressure. The valve member (7) is movable with respect to the piston (6) to facilitate closing of the inlet (4), in response to a fluid flow from the housing (1) to the inlet (4), when the piston is not acting to close the inlet.

Abstract: A mail sorting and distributing transfer system, which smoothly conveys mail on a mail sorting line having a compound curve whose line is not in a plane, but is three-dimensional, whereby the mail can be reliably transferred to a conveyor basket and conveying power savings are achieved. The system 100 receives mail in a transfer basket 120 hung at an outer circumferential edge of a mail sorting and distributing turn table 110 and transfers the mail through a transfer port 122 to a conveyor basket 130, which circulates on a mail sorting line O. The conveyor basket 130 includes an inner circumferential side carriage 131 and an outer circumferential side carriage 132, which respectively travel on an inner circumferential side rail 142 and an outer circumferential side rail 143 of the mail sorting line O while hanging a basket body 133 by both sides in a carried state.

Abstract: mcFP encoding nucleic acids, polypeptides and antibodies immunologically specific therefore are disclosed. Methods of use thereof are also provided.

Abstract: Molecular adjuvants are disclosed comprising an antigen presenting cell-targeting ligand linked to an immunogen. In particular, these molecular adjuvants are employed in compositions designed to deliver the specific immunogen to antigen presenting cells and simultaneously deliver signals to those cells that produce the desired immune response. Methods are also disclosed for delivery of these molecular adjuvants to patients, resulting in the transduction of activating signals to the targeted antigen presenting cell, thereby enhancing the immune response to the co-delivered immunogen.

Abstract: The invention relates to anti-microbial and immunostimulatory molecules of the cathelicidin family derived from fish. The invention provides a novel cathelicidin molecule, fragments, derivatives and uses thereof, and nucleic acids encoding the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for stabilizing chimeric immunoglobulins or immunoglobulin fragments. Furthermore, the invention also provides a stabilized anti-EGP-2 scFv fragment.

Abstract: The invention provides modified forms of bouganin protein having biological activity and a reduced propensity to activate human T cells as compared to the non-modified bouganin protein. The invention also provides T-cell epitope peptides of bouganin, and modified T-cell epitope peptides of bouganin which have a reduced propensity to activate human T cells as compared to the non-modified T-cell epitope peptide. The invention also provides cytotoxins having the having a ligand that binds to a cancer cells attached to the modified bouganin proteins. Also provided are methods of inhibiting or destroying mammalian cancer cells using the cytotoxins of the invention and pharmaceutical compositions for treating human cancer.

Abstract: A water-based, shear-thinning process fluid comprises bentonite, aluminium hydroxide particles, and salt. The median diameter (by weight) of the aluminium hydroxide particles does not exceed 2 ?m.

Abstract: A portable personal communications and cosmetics apparatus (1) comprising a base unit (2) having side walls with cavities (17a-f) therein for receiving removable cosmetics products (18a-f) and a mobile phone unit (3) mounted, e.g. removably, on the base unit (2).

Abstract: A small-bored cylindrical bearing member which can enhance the maintainability for a lubricating oil therein. The member has blind grooves in a seamless cylindrical central body portion of the interior hollow cylindrical surface of the bearing member. A method of manufacturing the cylindrical bearing member having blind grooves with blocked-in end portions extending in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical portion and spaced from the ends of the member. The grooves can be easily formed in the central body portion of the inner circumferential cylindrical surface of the central body portion with the blocked-in ends spaced from the opposite ends of the seamless bearing member. The seamless member is first formed with a tapered or flared portion at one open end which is later narrowed into a round cylindrical form. Before narrowing the tapered or flared portion, the blind grooves are formed by a groove punch pushed through the open end into the central body cylindrical portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inhibiting reperfusion injury in the brain. The method involve injecting via the carotid artery or jugular vein an antioxidant-loaded nanoparticle. A nanoparticle formulation containing an inert plasticizer is also provided for sustained release of an active agent.

Abstract: Nucleic acids encoding a novel ferritin light chain variant, a ferritin light chain variant polypeptide, ferritin light chain variant polypeptide-specific antibodies, and methods of use thereof are provided herein. Also provided are methods to screen and identify agents capable of modulating the activity of the ferritin light chain variant.

Abstract: A method of enhancing oil production from an oil bearing formation includes the steps of providing a first borehole in a first region of the formation and a second borehole in a second region of the formation. A first electrode is positioned in the first borehole in the first region, and a second electrode is positioned in proximity to the second borehole in the second region. A voltage difference is established between the first and second electrodes to create an electric field across the plugging materials. The electric field is applied to destabilize the plugging materials and improve oil flow through the formation.

Abstract: A UMTS 3g repeater and a Multi Sector Directional LMU Antenna Array can be integrated to be deployed inside large structures and large moving vehicles such as ferries and trains.

Abstract: A method for forming a foamed product integral with a sheet of covering material utilizing a forming apparatus which comprises a first die, a second die housed within the first die and having air-ventilating holes, and a third die adapted to be combined with the first die, to thereby provide a forming cavity between the second die and the third die, the method comprising the steps of preparing a three-dimensional, air-permeable trim cover having a two layer structure comprising a layer of foamed material and a sheet of covering material laminated with the foamed material layer, putting the trim cover on the second die such that the sheet of covering material is facing the second die, applying vacuum to the trim cover through the air-ventilating holes of the second die to draw the trim cover onto the second die, causing the third die to be combined with the first die to define the forming cavity in cooperation with the first die, thereafter stopping the applying of the vacuum to the trim cover, and pouring exp

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to genetic sequences exhibiting differential expression patterns in cancer tissue relative to normal tissue. The identification of differentially expressed genetic sequences permits their use as molecular markers for cancer, as early indicators of cancer progression and/or as predictive markers for a propensity or likelihood of a cancer to develop. The present invention relates particularly to genetic sequences exhibiting expression patterns up-regulated in cervical cells or associated with pre-, early- or late-onset cervical cancer relative to normal cervical cells. The genetic sequences of the present invention provide markers for early- or late-onset cervical cancer and/or a cancer related to cervical cancer. The markers of the present invention further provide potential targets for the development of therapeutic protocols for the treatment or prophylaxis of cervical or related cancer.

Abstract: An RFID monitoring arrangement comprises a first RFID device and a second RFID device for monitoring the first RFID device. The first RFID device transmits at least two messages each including unique identifying information and a power level code, wherein the transmitter power level corresponds to the power level represented by the power level code in each transmitted message. The second RFID device receives messages transmitted by the first RFID device and processes the identifying information and the power level code to provide an indication of a condition. Messages received from said first RFID device, the indication of a condition, or both the messages received from said first RFID device and the indication of a condition, may be relayed to a remote location.