Abstract: The present invention is concerned with methods for determining predisposition to infection in a subject exposed to stressors. In particular the present invention is concerned with methods of assessing the risk of susceptibility to infection in a subject by monitoring the levels of IgA and IgA1.

Abstract: A reflux classifier for segregating particles by size or density using a fluidized bed in a chamber. Arrays of inclined plates form lamellae and divide the chamber into zones into which particles of predetermined size or density migrate. Particle differentiation is controlled by plate length, inclination and spacing in each array, combined with fluidization rate.

Abstract: Anhydride modified cantharidin analogues useful in the treatment of certain forms of cancer also methods for the screening for anti-cancer activity of these analogues and/or their ability to sensitise cancer cells to cancer treatment. The modified cantharidin analogues have structure (I) or (II), wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are H, aryl or alkyl; X is O, N or S; Y is O, S, NH, NR; R is alkyl or aryl; A and B are H or CH3; W and Z are CHOH or C═O. These compounds inhibit protein phosphatase.

Abstract: A method for reducing the rate of deterioration of perishable horticultural produce by causing the horticultural produce to be treated post harvest with nitric oxide in an amount and for a period of time sufficient to reduce the rate of deterioration of the horticultural produce.

Abstract: A navigation and routing system for a domain to be navigated and including a plurality of nodes comprising, at each node, a passive element the identity of which is unique to the address of the associated node, and an active navigation device programmed with an electronic map of the domain and capable of receiving information from the passive elements, the arrangement being such that, for any given destination within the domain, and on reading of the passive element at a first node by the navigation device, routing information is displayed by the navigation device to direct the user to the next node in the route leading to his destination.

Abstract: An atmometer includes a chamber having arranged in an interior region thereof a medium in fluid communication with a liquid source and adapted for releasably retaining liquid. The chamber also has at another region an opening to the surrounds over which a gas permeable medium is arranged. In one mode of use, the atmometer is positionable such that ambient air moving over the gas permeable medium causes at least a portion of any evaporated liquid in the chamber to diffuse through the gas permeable medium.

Abstract: This invention relates to a computing system, a fail-silent node for use in a computing system and a method of organizing information so that a number of microprocessors in a computing node, which are arranged to receive messages from other components in the computing system and to process the received messages so as to transmit the results of this processing to other components in the system, compare the results of their processing and send nothing out from the node unless either all the microprocessors in the mode produce identical results or more than half of the microprocessors in the node produce identical results. This is achieved by manipulating the order in which messages are processed by each microprocessor so as to ensure that each microprocessor in the node receives the same messages, orders these same messages so that messages within each microprocessor are processed in the same order, thus ensuring, if all the microprocessors are functioning correctly, that the same results are produced.

Abstract: Red blood cells or derivatives thereof such as ghost preparations can act as a potent carrier for orally administered antigens. Mucosal immunity in particular can be effectively induced against such viruses as influenza when adsorbed to chicken red blood cells and orally administered.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing a conductive polymer which is highly transparent to visible light in at least one of its conductive and non-conductive states. A solution containing a monomer component and an electrolyte is introduced into an electrochemical cell and subjected to polymerization by cyclic voltammetry. The solution is maintained at a temperature within a range of from 0.degree. to -40.degree. C. inclusive. Prior to the polymerization, cyclic voltammetry is firstly performed at a potential below that at which anodic or cathodic polymerization may take place, anodic and cathodic limits (A) and (B) being held at respective values. A trace of current/voltage is monitored until the trace becomes stable, and thereafter the value of the limit (B) is progressively increased until the said value reaches a critical potential having a magnitude at which anodic or cathodic polymerization is initiated.

Abstract: Composite materials and products are described composed of a mixed metal interstitial alloy in the form of a carbide, nitride, carbonitride, oxynitride, oxycarbide or carboxynitride with the .beta..sup.m (.beta.-manganese) metal-atom arrangement, and a metallic carrier. With the carrier in the form of a binder phase for particles of the alloy a hard metal can be obtained which has a hardness not much less than a conventional WC-Co hard metal. Alternatively the alloy can be employed as a coating for a metallic substrate, for example to increase resistance to corrosion and oxidation. In a preferred composition, the interstitial alloy is nickel-molybdenum-nitride and nickel is used as the binder or the substrate material.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in photogrammetry is disclosed having two spaced-apart parallel scanning zones to which the photographs of a stereoscopic pair of photographs are mounted.A carriage mounted optical scanning system is provided for scanning the two scanning zones and for projecting images of the respective zones to a binocular viewing system, and a secondary optical system is provided, preferably on the carriage, for superimposing reference marks on the projected images.The scanning system is arranged in such a manner that simultaneous scanning of the two scanning zones can be effected in a first direction parallel to the scanning zones, and independent scanning of the two scanning zones can be effected in a second direction which is parallel to the scanning zones and orthogonal to the first direction. Also, the apparatus is adapted to permit relative scanning of the two scanning zones in the first direction or for optically moving the reference marks relative to one another in the first direction.