Abstract: Coupling of C3d molecules or ligands of CD21 or CD19 to an antigen alters the level of immune response to the immunogen upon its administration to an individual. For C3d, the magnitude of the effect is dependent on the number of C3d molecules included in the conjugate. Conveniently, C3d molecules or CD21/CD19 ligands are coupled to an immunogen in fusion polypeptides which may be produced by expression from coding nucleic acid, for instance by culturing host cells containing the nucleic acid. Other means of associating the molecules include chemical cross-linking and co-expression on the surface of a carrier structure. Administration of compositions comprising, in a preferred embodiment, C3d molecules and an immunogen of interest may be used prophylactically (by virtue of the immunological memory induced) or therapeutically. The administration may be for the purpose of raising antibodies to the immunogen. A T-cell response may also be induced.

Abstract: A method of bonding two pieces of metal having a foil or layer of another metal, either of lower melting point or such that it forms a liquid layer at or near to the bonding temperature, disposed therebetween. The method comprises the steps of: bringing the pieces into contact; applying pressure across the area of contact; heating the area of contact; and providing a predetermined temperature gradient across the area of contact.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and reagents for detecting a chromosomal aberration in an animal chromosome or karyotype. One or more detectably-labeled chromosome-specific probes from a first animal species are hybridized to chromosomes of a second animal species. This results in a banding pattern that can be compared to the pattern found in a normal chromosome or karyotype.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions which modulate the immune response. In one aspect, a composition is described which comprises an antigen covalently linked to a ligand for CD21(CR2) or CD19. This antigen is not associated with a complement C3 fragment through an ester bond derived from the internal thioester of the complement C3 fragment.

Abstract: Constructs for the delivery of sequences of interest to cells include a herpes virus latency active promoter (LAP) of the latency associated transcript (LAT) region. An internal ribosome entry site (IRES) is located downstream of the LAP, with a nucleotide sequence of interest downstream of the IRES. Stable, long-term expression including export of mRNA to the cytoplasm and translation of the encoded polypeptide, is found in neuronal and non-neuronal cells.

Abstract: Interleukin-12 (IL-12) or a functional analogue thereof, or a polynucleotide encoding IL-12 or encoding a functional analogue thereof, is used as a therapeutic material or adjuvant in treating papillomavirus-associated lesions e.g. warts due to HPV 6 and/or 11, e.g. condyloma acuminata. IL-12 or a vector encoding it for endogenous production can be used together with a vaccine such as a papillomavirus antigen, or a vector encoding a papillomavirus antigen.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence of retroviral RNA or DNA in a sample comprises using one or more detectable oligonucleotides that each hybridise with the primer binding site of a retroviral genome or its complement.

Abstract: There is disclosed an accelerometer comprising a substrate, a proof mass mounted to the substrate for movement in a first direction perpendicular to the plane of the substrate, the proof mass carrying a first sensing electrode, a second sensing electrode mounted relative to the substrate, wherein the first and second sensing electrodes comprise surfaces extending at an angle relative to the substrate and defining between them a sensing gap the width of which varies with movement of the proof mass in the first direction.

Abstract: A polarisation independent optical switch is constituted by a light input (6), a diffractive and re-configurable liquid crystal device (8), a collimating lens (7) for distributing the input light over the liquid crystal device (8), a transform lens (9) receiving light from the liquid crystal device (8) and light output (6), wherein no polarisers are present between the light input and output. The diffractive and re-configurable liquid crystal device (8) may be formed as a liquid crystal spatial light modulator configured as a binary phase computer generated hologram with the holograms required to form broadcast, individual or multicast switching being re-generated using an iterative algorithm and then being recalled on demand. In one embodiment the switch has a folded configuration and includes a reflector (10) so that the light input and output are both on the same side of the liquid crystal device (8).

Abstract: Method for assessing the activity of a test substance as a K.sup.+ channel agonist or for mitogenic activity. Fibroblasts are cultured in a test medium which is free of aminoglycoside antibiotics, the medium is supplemented with serum or serum substitute and the test substance, and the response of the supplemented cells to the test substance is assessed.

Abstract: A current-measuring device in accordance with the invention comprises an annular magnetic circuit having separate first and second magnetic circuit portions (1, 2) with ends suitable for coming face-to-face to form a closed magnetic circuit, a housing (5) surrounding at least the first portion (1) of the magnetic circuit the first portion being slidably mounted within the housing, magnetic flux detection means (12) for detecting a magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit; the housing includes a bearing member against which the second portion of magnetic is firmly held when slided with the first portion from a position where the second portion does not face the bearing member to a position where the second portion faces the bearing member.

Abstract: A current-measuring device in accordance with the invention comprises an annular magnetic circuit having separate first and second magnetic circuit portions (1, 2) with ends suitable for coming face-to-face to form a closed magnetic circuit, a housing (5) surrounding at least the first portion (1) of the magnetic circuit, magnetic flux detection apparatus (12) for detecting a magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit, and locking apparatus for locking the two magnetic circuit portions against each other; the device is characterized in that the locking apparatus comprise a bearing member (7) carried by the housing and pivot apparatus (7) enabling at least one of the magnetic circuit portions to pivot relative to the housing, in such a manner that during pivoting the second magnetic portion comes into contact with the bearing member and is firmly held against the first magnetic circuit portion thereby.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric current measuring tongs with magnetic circuit which opens by a combination of linear and rotary movements, wherein the magnetic circuit accommodated in a housing (12) consists of two elements (1, 2), of which one (2) is mounted pivotably on the housing whereas the other (1) is adapted to be moved in a linear movement relative to the first element so as to permit the pivoting of the element (2) to open the circuit. The facing plane faces (3, 4; 5, 6) of the constituent elements (1, 2) of the magnetic circuit consists of plane oblique sections intended to come into close contact during the closure of the magnetic circuit.