Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel human protein called phosphatonin, and isolated polynucleotides encoding this protein. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing this human protein. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing and treating disorders related to this novel human protein.

Abstract: A development tool (2) includes a plurality of measuring tools (71) to (76) and an industrial process simulation device (60). The simulation device (60) simulates a whole industrial scale bioprocess in order to obtain acceptable operating parameters for the industrial scale bioprocess. The measuring tools (71) to (76) enable various significant properties of the biomaterial to be measured and evaluated using only a small test quantity of the biomaterial.

Abstract: An interferometer sensor has a two-dimensional sensor head (1) comprising a polymer film (4) of substantially uniform thickness. An interrogating signal (12) is provided to the sensor head, the interrogation signal extending across the area of the sensor head and being incident normally to the sensor head (1). An optical sensing device (16) is arranged to receive an optical output signal from the sensor head at a location remote from the sensor head. The sensor converts ultrasound signals appearing over a two dimensional surface to an optical signal pattern, using a polymer interferometer sensing film. Spatial discretisation of the ultrasound signal pattern is performed by an optical sensing device. Such optical devices can be arranged having sufficiently high resolution to enable beam-steering imaging to be performed, including imaging outside the footprint of the sensor head.

Abstract: A transcutaneous prosthesis is disclosed comprising a first component (1) shaped for implantation into a bone (2), a second component (4) intended for location between the bone (2) and the skin, and a third component (5) intended for location exterior to the skin surface, having a low surface energy which deters bacterial adhesion. The second component (4) may carry an adhesion-promoting protein.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are capable of blockading voltage-dependent sodium channels and are useful in particular, in treating glaucoma and multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of identifying a modulator of a voltage gated sodium channel (VGSC), which method comprises: (a) bringing into contact a test compound, a VGSC and one or more binding partners selected from PAPIN, periaxin and HSPC025 under conditions where the VGSC and the binding partner(s) are capable of forming a complex in the absence of the test compound; and (b) measuring an activity of the VGSC, wherein a charge in the activity of the VGSC relative to the activity in the absence of the test compound indicates that the test compound is a modulator of said VGSC. Compounds identified in such screening methods are proposed for use in the treatment of VGSC-related conditions, for example in the treatment or prevention of pain. Also provided are methods of enhancing the functional expression of a voltage gated sodium channel (VGSC) in a cell comprising the step of increasing the level of a binding partner of the invention in the cell.

Abstract: An electronic stress monitoring device (1) is provided that is arranged to detect and record measurements of stress experienced by a structure (2) to which the stress history unit is attached, with the measurement and recordal of stress occurring at substantially the same location. The stress monitoring unit (1) is also arranged to process the detected readings of stress to determine when significant structural events are occurring within the structure (2) to which it is attached. Data indicative of these events are recorded within the stress monitoring device (1). Periodically data recorded within the stress monitoring device (1) is obtained by data reader (4) and then transmitted to a computer (6) for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: Two dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) genes have been cloned from humans. These genes can be used to screen for inhibitors and activators of activity and/or expression of DDAHs. Inhibitors and activators of activity and/or expression of DDAHs are useful in the treatment of conditions in which abnormal metabolism of nitric oxide is implicated.

Abstract: Energy tunable solid state sources of neutral particles are described. In a disclosed embodiment, a halogen particle source includes a solid halide sample, a photon source positioned to deliver photons to a surface of the halide, and a collimating means positioned to accept a spatially defined plume of hyperthermal halogen particles emitted from the sample surface.

Abstract: A surgical distraction device is provided for applying extending or tensioning force non-invasively to a patient's skeleton or to an implant which comprises anchoring means for attaching first and second components of the device to a bone or to adjoining bones, said components being connected by a linkage of an extendible length, a magnet connected to the linkage via a reduction gearbox and actuating means located externally of the patient for generating a moving or varying electro-magnetic field, thereby causing the magnet to rotate and the linkage to be extended.

Abstract: A probe comprises an excitation source and a double-core optical fiber. A pulsed laser signal (20) of the excitation sources supplied to the outer core (42) at one end of the optical fiber. The other end is provided with an interferometer film (18). An excitation signal (22) produced in the sample (10) modulates the thickness of the film (18). This provides an interferometer signal (26, 28) detected from the inner core (40).

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating nerve damage involving administering to the damaged nerve an effective non-toxic amount of an MGF (mechano-growth factor) Insulin-like Growth Factor I (IGF-I) isoform which includes amino acid sequences encoded by nucleic acid sequences of IGF-I exons 4, 5 and 6 in the reading frame of MGF and having the ability to reduce motoneurone loss by 20% or greater in response to nerve avulsion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel human protein called phosphatonin, and isolated polynucleotides encoding this protein. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing this human protein. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing and treating disorders related to this novel human protein.

Abstract: A method of forming an interferometer film for an interferometer sensor comprises forming a parylene polymer layer (8) of substantially uniform thickness directly on an interferometer substrate (4;45), the layer forming the interferometer film. Since the interferometer film (8) formed directly onto the surface of the interferometer substrate, there is improved conformity between the two surfaces at the interface between the polymer layer and the substrate and improved uniformity in the thickness of the film.

Abstract: A machine for abrading or polishing a workpiece comprises a holding surface holding the workpiece, a head member arranged along a rotation axis to rotate about the rotation axis, a working member having a surface for abrading or polishing the workpiece arranged on the head member on die rotational axis for rotation about the rotation axis with the head member, a first driving arrangement for driving a head member and the working member mounted thereon to rotate about the rotation axis, a head mounting arrangement for mounting the head member, a second driving arrangement for driving the head mounting arrangement to incline the rotation axis of the head member relative to a precession axis intersecting the rotation axis, and for moving the head member to inclined positions with the rotation axis processed about the precession axis, and a third driving arrangement for relatively moving the head mounting arrangement across the holding surface.

Abstract: This application discloses that inositolphosphoglycans (IPGs) can be obtained from basophils, eosinophils and mast cells and that allergen stimulation of these cells results in IPG release. It also shows that IPGs are second messengers for allergic stimulation as the addition of some types of purified IPGs to non-allergen stimulated cells resulted in histamine release or degranulation. Thus, IPG antagonists can be used for the treatment of conditions (especially allergy and asthma) mediated by the release of IPGs from mast cells, basophils or eosinophils. Preferred IPG antagonists include anti-IPG antibodies, inhibitors of the enzyme GPI-PLD and competitive antagonists.

Abstract: A self-propelling device (1) is adapted to travel through a passage (3) having walls containing contractile tissue, the device (1) comprising a body (2) and at least one contractile tissue-stimulating means for stimulating the walls to urge the device selectively in both a forward direction (7). The stimulating means may be electrodes (5,8), and the passage can be the gut of an animal or human. The device is particularly useful as an enteroscope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel human protein called phosphatonin, and isolated polynucleotides encoding this protein. Also provided are vectors, host cells, antibodies, and recombinant methods for producing this human protein. The invention further relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods useful for diagnosing and treating disorders related to this novel human protein.

Abstract: Energy tunable solid state sources of neutral particles are described. In a disclosed embodiment, a halogen particle source includes a solid halide sample, a photon source positioned to deliver photons to a surface of the halide, and a collimating means positioned to accept a spatially defined plume of hyperthermal halogen particles emitted from the sample surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of limiting postpartum hemorrhage comprising administering orally a single effective dose of misoprostol to a woman during the third stage of labor.