Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds and uses of compounds which interact with chitinase enzymes, in particular inhibition of those enzymes.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, uses and assemblages for the preferential induction of cell division cycle arrest and/or apoptosis, in a first population of cells compared to a second population of cells employ either: (i) an opioid or opioid-like agent and an NF-?B activating agent, which agents are other than the opioid-like agent trans-U50488 in combination with an NF-?B activating agent selected from etoposide and nocodazole; (ii) a ligand for a sigma receptor, or (iii) an opioid or opioid-like agent wherein the cells of the first population are other than tumor cells.

Abstract: A device for supporting at least one arm of an operating person during a surgical or medical operation comprises at least one supporting element for supporting the at least one arm of the operating person, the supporting element being arranged at a carrying structure for carrying the at least one supporting element. The carrying structure is configured such that the at least one supporting element can be lowered or raised for adjusting the height of the operating person's arm. The carrying structure comprises a control system which comprises a hydraulic circuit for lowering or raising the at least one supporting element.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of testing agents, such as sigma ligands for their potential use in treating posterior capsule opacification (PCO). The present invention also relates to the use of sigma ligands, such as sigma-1 antagonists in the manufacture of a medicament for preventing posterior capsule opacification (PCO), as well as methods of treating PCO using sigma ligands.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of enhancing the effectiveness of pesticides, as well as pesticidal formulations. Furthermore, it also provides the means for the de novo rational design of pesticides. The present invention also relates to a method of screening agents for potential use in insecticides, particularly against mosquitoes.

Abstract: An apparatus for the encapsulation and release or exposure of the contents of a chamber. The apparatus has a seal covering the opening to the chamber to encapsulate the contents of the chamber. The seal contains ultrasonically rupturable material which can be driven by an ultrasound signal to break the seal. The apparatus of the invention can be used for selective drug delivery and to contain a sensor, such as a micro-sensor, in a sealed environment prior to use.

Abstract: A device for supporting at least one arm of an operating person during a surgical or medical operation comprises at least one supporting element for supporting the at least one arm of the operating person, the supporting element being arranged at a carrying structure for carrying the at least one supporting element, wherein the carrying structure is configured such that the at least one supporting element can be lowered or raised for adjusting the height of the operating person's arm. The carrying structure comprises at least one carrying arm, which is pivotable about at least one at least approximately horizontal pivot axis such that pivoting of the carrying arm raises or lowers the at least one supporting element. The carrying structure further comprises a mechanical control system acting on the pivotability of the at least one carrying arm in the upward direction differently from the downward direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument, in particular an endoscopic instrument, with an instrument shaft, a tool positioned on the distal end of the instrument shaft, and a handle, which can be secured on the instrument shaft so that it can be moved in an axial extension of the instrument shaft. In order to create an instrument which makes possible a comfortable, safe, and reliable handling even with the most varied application purposes, it is proposed with the invention that the handle can be secured on the instrument shaft so that it can be moved by at least one degree of freedom with respect to the instrument shaft.

Abstract: A recombinant polynucleotide encoding migrating stimulating factor (MSF) or variants or fragments or derivatives or fusions thereof or fusions of said variants or fragments or derivatives. Reagents are disclosed which can distinghish MSF and fibronectin, and which can distinguish polynucleotides which encode MSF or fibronectin. These reagents are believed to be useful in, for example, diagnosing cancer. MSF or variants or fragments or derivatives or fusions thereof, or fusions of said variants or fusions or derivatives, are useful in modulating cell migration and in wound healing.

Abstract: A recombinant polynucleotide encoding migrating stimulating factor (MSF) or variants or fragments or derivatives or fusions thereof or fusions of said variants or fragments or derivatives. Reagents are disclosed which can distinguish MSF and fibronectin, and which can distinguish polynucleotides which encode MSF or fibronectin. These reagents are believed to be useful in, for example, diagnosing cancer. MSF or variants or fragments or derivatives or fusions thereof, or fusions of said variants or fusions or derivatives, are useful in modulating cell migration and in wound healing.

Abstract: A field emission device having improved properties and which finds use in display devices, such as a flat panel displays. Known devices and displays suffer from problems such as complexity of fabrication and limited color gamut. The present device provides a field emission backplate which is made from a substantially semiconductor based material and has a plurality of grown tips. The device also includes at least one electro-luminescent or photo-luminescent material having a fluorescent material such as a fluorescent dye doped material chemically attached thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a palpation device and a palpation simulation device for use in surgery, such as minimal access surgery. The invention also relates to a method of palpating a body part, and to a method of simulating palpation of a body part. In one embodiment of the invention, a palpation device (10) is disclosed which comprises a first palpation assembly including a palpation member (12) and a light source in the form of an LED (14) and a second palpation assembly including a palpation member (16) and a light detecting means, in the form of a camera (18), for detecting light emitted by the light source (14). At least one of the first and second palpation members (12, 16) is movable with respect to the other member, to palpate a body part such as a patient's colon (20), disposed therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of altering the substrate specificity of PDK1, methods of identifying compounds which modulate the activity of PDK1 and methods of using PDK1 having altered substrate specificity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a retinoic acid metabolizing cytochrome P450 2S1 (CYP2S1) and to uses of sequence specific nucleic acid, primers and antibodies, in, for example, assays for the analysis of CYP2S1 messenger RNA and/or protein expression in skin. The invention also relates to assays for detecting agents which modulate CYP2S1 expression and/or activity and methods of testing drug efficacy.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compounds derived from the anaesthetic propofol that are useful as analgesics and methods of using the same. The compounds act as co-activators of strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors and may have greater activity at those glycine receptors than at GABAA.

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: We claim a therapeutic method of inducing programmed cell death comprising administering to a recipient a peptide of 10–25 amino acids, comprising the sequence: (KR)xxYxxx(F/Q)L(L/M) wherein x is any amino acid.

Abstract: Substantially pure two kinase domain protein kinases comprising the amino acid sequences provided in the description, variants, fusions, fragments, or derivatives thereof useful in screening assays for drugs. Applications thereof in the modulation of CREB, COX2 and IL2 activities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of an x-ray photomask by exposing a free-standing film of a radiation sensitive metal/chalcogenide to an electron beam scanned in a defined pattern so as to generate areas in the film of reduced metal content in accordance with the defined pattern, as well as novel x-ray photomasks.

Abstract: A compound with a relative molecular mass of less than 15000 comprising the peptide Ile-Gly-Asp (IGD) or a peptide or non-peptide mimic thereof. The compounds may be used to modulate cell migration and are useful in angiogenesis.