Abstract: A method and system for identifying an object or structured parts of an object in an image. A set of templates are created for each of a number of the parts of the object and the templates are applied to an area of interest in an image where it is hypothesised that an object part is present. The image is analysed to determine the probability that it contains the object part. Thereafter, other templates are applied to other areas of interest in the image to determine the probability that this area of interest belongs to a corresponding object part. The templates are then arranged in a configuration and the likelihood that the configuration represents an object or structured parts of an object is calculated. This is calculated for other configurations and the configuration that is most likely to represent an object or structured part of an object is determined. The method and system can be applied to creating a markerless motion capture system and has other applications in image processing.

Abstract: A method of activating serum and glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase (SGK) is provided wherein the SGK is phosphorylated. The SGK may be phosphorylated by PDK1 and/or a preparation containing PDK2 activity. A method of identifying a compound that modulates the activity of SGK is provided, wherein the activity of SGK is measured by measuring the phosphorylation by SGK of a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence corresponding to the consensus sequence (Arg/Lys; preferably Arg)-X-(X/Arg)-X-X-Ser/Thr)-Z wherein X indicates any amino acid, X/Arg indicates any amino acid, with a preference for arginine, and Z indicates that the amino acid residue is preferably a hydrophobic residue. The SGK may be activated by phosphorylation.

Abstract: A method of identifying embryonic or fetal red blood cells in a sample containiing maternal blood cells and embryonic or fetal red blood cells or both, the method comprising determining which cell or cells contain or express an adult liver component. A method of isolating embryonic or fetal red blood cells from a sample containing maternal blood cells and embryonic or fetal red blood cells or both, the method comprising isolating the cells which contain or express an adult liver component. A method of determining a fetal abnormality the method comprising identifying or isolating embryonic or fetal cells according to the above methods and analysing said embryonic or early fetal cells for said abnormality. Use of a means for determining whether a cell contains or expresses an adult liver component for identifying or isolating an embryonic or fetal red blood cell.

Abstract: A method of treatment of a shape memory alloy involves shot peening of the alloy sample, thereby causing a crystal to amorphous transition of a surface layer of the sample without substantially affecting bulk characteristics of the material, particularly its shape memory behavior and biocompatibility. The method may be used for surface hardening and to reduce coefficients of friction. The method may be advantageously used for treating tissue sutures and orthodontic devices such as dental archwires.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel approach to attenuating bacteria and for their use as live vaccines. The vaccines can be used in human and animal medicine.In particular, there is disclosed a method of attenuating a bacteria by mutating a gene concerned with the regulation of one or more genes concerned with expression of outer membrane proteins, particularly porin proteins.

Abstract: As replacements for chlorofluorcarbons, hydro(chloro)fluorocarbons are synthesized by hydrogenating chlorofluorocarbons over a Pd/ZnO/.gamma.--Al.sub.2 O3 catalyst. The ZnO is partially reduced before use and assists the Pd to function catalytically for days instead of hours despite the evolution of halogen.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel approach to attenuating bacteria and for their use as live vaccines. The vaccines can be used in human and animal medicine.In particular, there is disclosed a method of attenuating a bacteria by mutating a gene concerned with the regulation of one or more genes concerned with expression of outer membrane proteins, particularly porin proteins.

Abstract: A composition suitable for topical application to mammalian skin or hair comprising an amount of a cell-free supernatant from a culture of dermal papilla cells sufficient to increase hair growth in mammals.