Abstract: An immunogenic agent which comprises a killed strain of Burkholderia pseudomallei, or a combination of components thereof which combination produces a protective immune response in an animal to whom it is administered, and which comprises at least two members selected from the group consisting of (i) a lipopolysaccharide of Burkholderia pseudomallei, (ii) a capsular polysaccharide of Burkholderia pseudomallei and (iii) a protein of Burkholderia pseudomallei or an immunogenic variant thereof or an immunogenic fragment of either of these, or a nucleic acid which expresses said protein, immunogenic variant or immunogenic fragment thereof in a host animal; for use in the prevention or treatment of infection by Burkholderia pseudomallei and/or Burkholderia mallei.

Abstract: An analytical kit using RNA probes for the detection or analysis of nucleic acid sequences is described. These probes are contacted with a sample suspected of containing the nucleic acid sequence and if they form duplexes, they are hydrolysed. This may be done, for example, during an amplification reaction. AMP generated as a result of the hydrolysis is converted to ATP. The ATP may then be detected using bioluminescent reagents.

Abstract: Self-calibrating apparatus and methods for dilution of an analyte-containing fluid, and in particular for dilution of analyte concentrations beyond the normal measurement range of a detector, without the requirement for other detectors. The apparatus is preferably a respirator test system for determining respirator mask fit in the presence of high aerosol challenge concentrations.

Abstract: A method of obtaining data for use by a receiver of a satellite positioning system or a GNSS comprises deriving the data remotely from the receiver by a server (200), using meteorological information and a regional or global three dimensional map of grid points from which it computes tropospherical delays by ray tracing through the refractivity field derived from atmospheric measurements of pressure, temperature and water data content, such measurements being available from meteorological bodies. When used to enhance position determined by a user receiver that includes a non-meteorological, climate based model (130) giving zenith delays and means (130?) to map them to particular inclinations, the server also includes a copy of such non-meteorological model (230) and provides its ray traced delay values as zenith delays.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, said method comprising: performing nucleic acid amplification on the sample in the presence of (a) a DNA duplex binding agent, (b) a nucleic acid polymerase and (c) a reagent comprising an amplification primer which can hybridise to said target sequence when in single stranded form and which is connected at its 5? end to a probe which carries a label by way of a chemical linking group, said labelled probe being of a sequence which is similar to that of the said target nucleic acid sequence, such that it can hybridise to a complementary region in an amplification product, and wherein the label is able to absorb fluorescence from or donate fluorescent energy to the DNA duplex binding agent; and monitoring fluorescence of said sample.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for selectively delivering one or more liquid reagents into a reaction or test chamber (2), especially of an assay apparatus, the apparatus comprising: one or more respective storage chambers (5,6) for containing the one or more liquid reagents and arranged generally above the reaction or test chamber (2); and a plunger element (4) arranged and operable for insertion into the mouth of a selected storage chamber so as to displace a selected reagent from therewithin into the reaction or test chamber (2) generally therebelow by gravitational liquid overflow from the mouth of the chamber. The apparatus may conveniently be provided as a discrete delivery unit, with the storage chambers (5,6) prefilled with the selected reagents.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for selectively delivering one or more liquid reagents into a reaction or test chamber (2), especially of an assay apparatus, the apparatus comprising: one or more respective storage chambers (5,6) for containing the one or more liquid reagents and arranged generally above the reaction or test chamber (2); and a plunger element (4) arranged and operable for insertion into the mouth of a selected storage chamber so as to displace a selected reagent from therewithin into the reaction or test chamber (2) generally therebelow by gravitational liquid overflow from the mouth of the chamber. The apparatus may conveniently be provided as a discrete delivery unit, with the storage chambers (5,6) prefilled with the selected reagents.

Abstract: The application relates to nucleic acids which encode enzymes responsible for the production of the O-antigen of Francisella tularensis, and their use as or in the production of vaccines and in diagnosis.

Abstract: A method of carrying out an amplification reaction, said method comprising supplying to a well in a disposable unit (a) a sample which contains or is suspected of containing a target nucleic acid sequence (b) primers, nucleotides and enzymes required to effect said amplification reaction and (c) a buffer system, and subjecting the unit to thermal cycling conditions such that any target nucleic acid present within the sample is amplified; wherein the disposable unit comprises a thermally conducting layer and a facing layer having one or more reagent wells of up to 1000 microns in depth defined therebetween; and the reaction mixture comprises at least one of the following: A) a buffer system wherein the pH is above 8.3; B) a detergent; and/or C) a blocking agent. Apparatus for effecting the method as well as disposable units for use in the method are described. The method is particularly suitable for rapid PCR reactions.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the presence of a target bacteria based on its resistance to a cell lysing antibiotic. Said antibiotic is used to lyse cells of non-target bacteria in a sample and hence facilitate isolation of the target prior to detection by known means.

Abstract: A method for detecting a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, by subjecting it to an amplification and taking continuous electrochemical measurements on it during the reaction. The method can be used to determine whet amplification reaction has taken place, to quantitate the amount of target in the sample or to determine sequence characteristics. disclosed is apparatus for use in the method, comprising (i) an amplification reaction vessel which comprises an electrochemic (ii) means for taking continuous electrochemical measurements on a sample contained in the vessel and (iii) tempertature coat measurement means, wherein the electrochemical cell comprises an element formed from an electrically conducting plastics such as a polymer loaded with an electrically conducting material. Further disclosed is a reaction vessel for use in the appar probe for use in the method and a kit for effecting the method.

Abstract: A method of carrying out an amplification reaction, said method comprising supplying to a well in a disposable unit (a) a sample which contains or is suspected of containing a target nucleic acid sequence (b) primers, nucleotides and enzymes required to effect said amplification reaction and (c) a buffer system, and subjecting the unit to thermal cycling conditions such that any target nucleic acid present within the sample is amplified; wherein the disposable unit comprises a thermally conducting layer and a facing layer having one or more reagent wells of up to 1000 microns in depth defined therebetween; and the reaction mixture comprises at least one of the following: A) a buffer system wherein the pH is above 8.3; B) a detergent; and/or C) a blocking agent. Apparatus for effecting the method as well as disposable units for use in the method are described. The method is particularly suitable for rapid PCR reactions.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for selectively delivering one or more liquid reagents into a reaction or test chamber (2), especially of an assay apparatus, the apparatus comprising: one or more respective storage chambers (5,6) for containing the one or more liquid reagents and arranged generally above the reaction or test chamber (2); and a plunger element (4) arranged and operable for insertion into the mouth of a selected storage chamber so as to displace a selected reagent from therewithin into the reaction or test chamber (2) generally therebelow by gravitational liquid overflow from the mouth of the chamber. The apparatus may conveniently be provided as a discrete delivery unit, with the storage chambers (5,6) prefilled with the selected reagents.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polypeptide obtainable from insect larvae, such as those from Lucilia sericata, and which have activity as a nuclease in that they are able to degrade, denature, digest, cut or cleave nucleic acids such as DNA.

Abstract: The invention describes the synthesis of novel mono-amine and di-amine derivatives of hexa-nitro-hexaazaisohex-awurtzitane (CL-20). The synthesis is effected by the novel use of fluoroacylating compounds to protect the secondary amine groups of acylated precursors to CL-20 against nitrolysis. In so doing the mono-amine and di-amine derivatives of CL-20 are rendered and which in turn may be subsequently utilised as intermediates to generate further novel derivatives with differing physical and chemical properties to the parent compound. Formula (I), wherein:— X?H, and Y?H or NO2.

Abstract: Apparatus for microbial disruption, comprises a cylindrical transducer having a beat conducting, solid transmission layer disposed along at least a part of the inner longitudinal surface thereof, said transmission layer or said transducer and transmission layer defining a channel for receipt of a liquid sample, and means capable of delivering an alternating potential to said transducer at a frequency and voltage exciting resonance and inducing cavitation in said liquid sample.

Abstract: A viewing apparatus comprises one or more optical elements, which may be moved in order to redirect light entering the viewing apparatus such that a subject in any part of the field of view may be relocated to the centre of the viewed image without moving the viewing apparatus itself. The viewing apparatus further comprises a relay lens group which conditions the light into a quasi-collimated state before it enters the optical elements allowing a more compact device to be produced. The viewing apparatus may additionally include a zoom lens mechanism to enable the viewed image to be enlarged.

Abstract: The invention describes the synthesis of novel mono-amine and di-amine derivatives of hexa-nitro-hexaazaisohexawurtzitane (CL-20). The synthesis is affected by the novel use of fluoroacylating compounds to protect the secondary amine groups of acylated precursors to CL-20 against nitrolysis. In so doing the mono-amine and di-amine derivatives of CL-20 are rendered and which in turn may be subsequently utilized as intermediates to generate further novel derivatives with differing physical and chemical properties to the parent compound. Formula (I), wherein: —X?H, and Y?H or NO2.

Abstract: A prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine for use in protecting mammals such as humans or animals against Venezelan Equine Encephalitis virus (VEE) is described. In particular, the vaccine comprises a recombinant virus such as a recombinant vaccinia virus which is able to express the structural genes of VEE in attenuated form, which has been modified to increase the protective effect of the vaccine. This is achieved by modifying the sequence of the attenuated VEE strain and/or putting this under the control of modified promoter which increases expression from the vector. Formulations of the vaccine as well as methods of treatment using the vaccine are also described.