Abstract: An integrated dual-axis anisotropic magnetoresistive sensor can include first and second sensor units. A resistor bridge of the first sensor unit can include a plurality of magnetoresistors, each having at least one strip of anisotropic magnetoresistive material with a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the technological anisotropy axis of the material. A resistor bridge of the second sensor unit can include a plurality of magnetoresistors having a plurality of strips of the anisotropic magnetoresistive material, the plurality of strips including a first subset having longitudinal axes aligned at a first angle to the technological anisotropy axis and a second subset having longitudinal axes aligned at a second angle to the technological anisotropy axis. The second angle can have the same magnitude as the first, but be rotated in an opposite direction from the technological anisotropy axis.

Abstract: Use of the ssrA gene or tmRNA, an RNA transcript of the ssrA gene, or fragments thereof as target regions in a nucleic acid probe assay for the detection and identification of prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic organisms is described. Nucleotide sequence alignment of tmRNA sequences from various organisms can be used to identify regions of homology and non-homology within the sequences which in turn can be used to design both genus specific and species specific oligonucleotide probes. These newly identified regions of homology and non-homology provide the basis of identifying and detecting organisms at the molecular level. Oligonucleotide probes identified in this way can be used to detect tmRNA in samples thereby giving an indication of the viability of non-viral organisms present in various sample types.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of tissue engineering and in particular to the production of tissue films or cell matrices, which can be used as a living tissue substitute or an artificial tissue construct in tissue repair or replacement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fabrication of multichannel nerve conduits for use in the repair of nerve injury. In particular, the invention relates to collagen multichannel nerve conduits which are suitable for use in repair of peripheral nerves.

Abstract: A sleep monitoring system includes an ECG device (2) and a respiration inductance plethysmogram (3) which monitor cardiac activity and physical (ribcage) respiration respectively and feed representative signals to a digital data processor. Operations (5-9) process the beat interval data, while in a second thread, operations (20-24) independently process the amplitude modulation of the ECG data caused by the respiratory motion of the subject. The inductance plethysmogram device (3) provides an input to the processor which represents respiration as directly monitored independently of the ECG. Operations (30-34) process this direct respiration data independently and in parallel, in a third thread. All extracted features are fed to a classifier which in step (10) combines selected combinations of features to make decisions in real time.

Abstract: A monitoring system has biomechanical sensors, physiological sensors and a controller which receive sensory inputs from the sensors to provide output signals for the output device, and it detects from the sensory inputs risk of a syncopal event The bio-mechanical sensors include sensors arranged to allow the processor to detect a user postures and posture transitions. The processor operates a finite state machine, in which there is a state corresponding to each of a plurality of user physical postures and to each of a plurality of transitions between said postures, and the processor determines a relevant state depending on the sensory inputs. A device output may be muscle stimulation to prevent syncope, and there are stimulation permissions associated with the finite state machine states.

Abstract: A surface NMES stimulation device the device has a control processor, a voltage regulator connected to a high voltage supply, a bridge of control switches, and electrodes or electrode terminals connected in the bridge to receive drive signals via the control switches. The processor directs a drive scheme for the bridge control switches in which charge build-up on a user's skin is allowed to dissipate to ground in an inter-pulse interval. An isolation capacitor isolates the high voltage supply from the electrodes, and charging of the capacitor only occurs if a switch allows it. Sensors senses supply voltage and bridge current and the processor monitors there to determine further stimulation and faults.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods of classifying patients having idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and of determining a preferred therapy for the treatment of IPF based on the presence or absence of the C1234T polymorphism in the toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) gene of such patients.

Abstract: A monitoring system comprises sensors adapted to be worn by a user, and, a processor linked with the sensor. The processor receives sensor data and processes this data to determine user posture data including data indicative of vertical distance between level of the user's heart and ankle. Based on the posture data together with a value for degree of user chronic venous insufficiency and/or blood density, generate an estimate of user static venous pressure while the user is static, without calf muscle pump activity. The processor also processes the sensor data to determine if there is calf muscle pump activity, and generates an estimate of user active venous pressure according to the static venous pressure estimate, rate of calf muscle activity, and a value for degree of user chronic venous insufficiency. The processor may generate the venous pressure estimate in real time, and may control an NMES device accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a macrocyclic derivative which is formed by modification of a macrocycle. The invention further relates to assemblies formed by the self-assembly of such macrocyclic derivatives in aqueous solvent, and includes bilayer vesicles, micelles, monolayers, nanoparticles, colloidal assemblies and surface-coated assemblies.

Abstract: A method of screening compounds or molecules comprising the steps of: translating a sequence encoding the amino acid sequence comprising SEQ ID No. 29 in a translation system in the presence of a test compound or molecule; and analysing the translation product(s) for the presence of one or more of (a) a peptide comprising the amino acids Pro-Gly at the C terminus and a peptide comprising the amino acid Pro at the N terminus: or (b) a peptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No. 29.

Abstract: An antimicrobial peptide having potent antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus is described. Also described is an isolated Lactobacillus salivarius DPC6502 strain as deposited with the National Collection of Industrial and Marine Bacteria under the Accession No. NCIMB 41840, and variants thereof, wherein the isolated bacteria and variants thereof express an antimicrobial peptide of the invention.

Abstract: Provided is a device for delivery into a body lumen having a longitudinally extending stem and a plurality of bristles extending generally radially outwardly from the stem. The device includes at least two different groups or types of bristles.

Abstract: A method of assessing biofilm thickness in a membrane supported biofilm reactor (MSBR) of the type comprising a lumen containing a gas phase, a liquid phase, and a gas permeable membrane providing an interface between the gas and liquid phases, the method comprising the steps of charging the lumen with an inert gas, closing the lumen to establish an initial elevated pressure in the lumen, measuring the rate of change of pressure within the lumen, and correlating the rate of change of pressure (dP/dt) with biofilm thickness. The step of correlating dP/dt with biofilm thickness involves correlating dP/dt with the rate of diffusion of the inert gas (dn/dt), correlating dn/dt with an overall mass transfer coefficient (K), correlating K with the mass transfer coefficient of the biofilm (ICB), and correlating k? with the biofilm thickness.

Abstract: A synchronisation system for correlating positioning data and video data comprises a synchronisation unit which is arranged to: emit an identifier capable of being imaged by a video camera; store the identifier correlated in time with a trail of positioning data corresponding to sequential locations of the synchronisation unit, and communicate the positioning data and correlated identifier to a processing computer. A processing module is operable to nm on a processing computer and is arranged to analyse a sequence of video data to locate the imaged identifier and to determine a time within the video data at which the identifier is located.

Abstract: Thermostable enzyme technology for algal bioconversion The present invention relates to thermostable enzyme systems suitable for use in the production of biofuels and bio-products from algae, and to a method of producing energy feedstocks, stocks, specifically (i) fermentable sugars and (ii) lipid fractions from algae, for the production of biofuels such as bioethanol, biobutanol and bio-oils or biodiesel, as well as other value-added biomolecules (e.g. proteins, peptides, oils, pigments, nucleic acids).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of secreted proteins from mesenchymal stem cells and other cells for the treatment of myocardial infarction. In particular, the invention provides compositions and methods based on secreted proteins from mesenchymal stem cells and the genes encoding them.

Abstract: There is provided a method of aggregating a plurality of beads in a magnetic bead aggregation assay for subsequent analysis comprising: —providing magnetic beads comprising a capture probe for binding with said target analyte; —reacting the magnetic beads with the sample including a target analyte in a reaction chamber aggregating the magnetic beads in the presence of a magnetic field with the target analyte to allow formation of magnetic bead aggregates having physical properties detectable to enable characterisation of the aggregates on an aggregate by aggregate basis using a detector to measure the physical properties of the aggregates. Further provided are a method and system for detecting analytes in a sample by characterising the magnetic bead aggregates on an aggregate by aggregate basis by measuring physical properties of the aggregates.

Abstract: A polymeric hollow nanoshell or nanosphere for release of an agent is described, wherein the hollow nanosphere comprises at least one biodegradable polymer, characterized in that the polymer is cross-linked. The biodegradable mono-disperse nanospheres described are suitable for use as carriers of biomolecules, therapeutic agents and/or imaging agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to IHG-1 (induced by high glucose-1) a novel gene which encodes a protein that amplifies fibrotic responses in in vitro and in vivo models of fibrotic disorders and in human diabetic nephropathy. In particular the invention relates to modifications of the IHG-1 structure which are potential fibrosuppressant biotherapeutics and modify cellular invasiveness. The invention also relates to a method of screening a therapeutic agent for suitability for the treatment of fibrotic disease comprising testing a candidate therapeutic agent for the ability to reduce the expression of IHG-1 levels in a model system.