Abstract: There is provided a novel process for preparing polyamides (in particular cyclic and hairpin polyamides) comprising the step of coupling an amine with a Boc-protected amino acid monomer in the presence of diphosgene and/or triphosgene. Such a process may be performed on a solid or solution phase.

Abstract: The invention includes a method for simultaneously decreasing the amount of TGF?1 and increasing the amount of TGF?3 produced by a fibroblast, the method comprising contacting the fibroblast with an agent which positively modulates ?2-adrenergic receptor; a method for reducing fibroblast differentiation, the method comprising contacting the fibroblast with an agent which positively modulates ?2-adrenergic receptor; and a method of reducing the deposition of collagen in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject an agent which positively modulates ?2-adrenergic receptor.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods of inhibiting the effects of MASP-2-dependent complement activation in a living subject. In one embodiment, the invention provides methods of treating a subject suffering from a complement mediated coagulation disorder, such as disseminated intravascular coagulation. The methods comprise the step of administering, to a subject in need thereof, an amount of a MASP-2 inhibitory agent effective to inhibit MASP-2-dependent complement activation. In some embodiments, the MASP-2 inhibitory agent inhibits cellular injury associated with MASP-2-mediated alternative complement pathway activation, while leaving the classical (C1q-dependent) pathway component of the immune system intact. In another aspect, the invention provides compositions for inhibiting the effects of lectin-dependent complement activation, comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a MASP-2 inhibitory agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods of inhibiting the effects of MASP-2-dependent complement activation in a living subject. The methods comprise the step of administering, to a subject in need thereof, an amount of a MASP-2 inhibitory agent effective to inhibit MASP-2-dependent complement activation. In some embodiments, the MASP-2 inhibitory agent inhibits cellular injury associated with MASP-2-mediated alternative complement pathway activation, while leaving the classical (C1q-dependent) pathway component of the immune system intact. In another aspect, the invention provides compositions for inhibiting the effects of lectin-dependent complement activation, comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a MASP-2 inhibitory agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: A portable sampling device (2) for obtaining a biological sample from a subject comprises sample collection means (8) for excising a biological sample (14) from a subject, and sample containment means (6) for containing excised sample (14) and sample preservative (12) for preserving excised sample. The sample collection means (8) includes sample cutting means (18) adapted, inuse, to cut into the subject and release the biological sample therefrom.

Abstract: Fluorescence Labelling This invention generally relates to techniques for fluorescence labelling, and to methods, apparatus and computer program code for processing fluorescence signal data. A method of determining respective first and second degree-of-labelling signals for different respective first and second fluorophores associated with a common entity, the method comprising: determining a first fluorescence signal from said first and second fluorophores under first conditions; determining a second fluorescence signal from said first and second fluorophores under second conditions different to said first conditions; and determining said first and second degree-of-labelling signals for said first and second fluorophores from said first and second fluorescence signals; and wherein said determining of said first and second degree-of-labelling signals is responsive to at least one coupling value (c12; c21) representing a coupling of energy between said fluorophores.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of preparing bacterial growth inducers, and in particular to novel bacterial growth inducers/resuscitators prepared by such methods. The invention extends to various applications of such growth inducers, for example in clinical and environmental diagnostics, in reviving not immediately culturable (NIC) bacteria, and in the analyses of microbial populations in blood, food and soil samples.

Abstract: The invention provides medicaments comprising an agent, which selectively modulates ?2-adrenergic receptor conformation, or receptor activity, or activation thereof. The medicaments may be used for treating diseases that are characterised by disorganized and/or abnormal vasculature, such as cancer and metastatic disease. The medicaments may also be used for promoting organized/normal branched vasculature.

Abstract: A cryogenic detector is used for detection in a biological assay.

Abstract: A diagnostics subsystem for performing predictive diagnostics on a machine such as a vacuum pump. The subsystem has one or more parameter sensors providing measurable data, a process model for modelling machine operation and generating at least one estimated operating parameter, a comparator for comparing the sensed operating parameter with the estimated operating parameter; discontinuous signal injection means for injecting a discontinuity into the model to maintain sliding mode operation in the model; and means for analyzing the discontinuous injection signal for trends indicative of a fault in the machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tumour necrosis factor- (TNF-) related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) which is capable of selectively signalling through death receptor 4 (DR4), comprising Y at position 189. Preferably the TRAIL further comprises 19 IL and/or 199V; preferably also 201R, 213W and 215D, and/or preferably further comprises 193S. The invention also relates to uses of such TRAIL mutants which are capable of selectively signalling through DR4 in the treatment of cancer, and in the manufacture of medicaments for use in treatment of cancer. Preferably the cancer is chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, mantle cell lymphoma or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The invention also relates to kits comprising same.

Abstract: A cryogenic detector is used for detection in a biological assay.

Abstract: Genetically modified mammals are described which lack the mannan binding lectin associated serine protease MASP-2, together with methods and constructs for their production. Such mammals are useful as models for disorders of the complement system, and in the identification of treatments for such disorders. Also described are mammals which lack the associated protein MAp19; such mammals may also lack MASP-2.

Abstract: There is provided a mixture having a freezing point of up to 50° C., formed by reaction between: (A) one molar equivalent of a salt of formula I (Mn+)(X?)n I or a hydrate thereof; and (B) from one to eight molar equivalents of a complexing agent comprising one or more uncharged organic compounds, each of which compounds has (i) a hydrogen atom that is capable of forming a hydrogen bond with the anion X?; and (ii) a heteroatom selected from the group consisting of O, S, N and P that is capable of forming a coordinative bond with the metal ion Mn+, which reaction is performed in the absence of extraneous solvent, wherein M, X? mind a have meaning given in the description.

Abstract: An electrical machine having stator (30) and rotor (31) is disclosed. The motor has field windings (F) and armature windings (A) energized by a suitable power electronic controller (401). A controller (400) sends signals to the power electronic controller (401) to control the armature current to control operation of the machine. When the machine is operating as a motor, the armature windings (A) will be supplied with electrical current from the power electronic controller by the application of applied voltage in synchronism with the rotation of the rotor (31). A mutually induced first electrical signal dependent on rotational position of the rotor will be induced within the field windings (F). This will create a superimposed gradient in the field current delivered by the power electronic controller (401).

Abstract: The invention describes a method for diagnosis of preterm labour in a mammal, comprising measuring levels of an endocannabinoid such as anandamide in a subject. Elevated levels are indicate of preterm labour. The measurement is typically performed during late pregnancy, such as the third trimester in humans. In certain embodiments, endocannabinoid levels may be measured indirectly, for example by measurement of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) levels.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, assays and kits for detecting L-ficolin dependent activation of the lectin pathway of complement and for identifying L-ficolin abnormalities. Also provided are methods for detection of gram positive bacteria based on the interaction between L-ficolin complexes and LTA.

Abstract: A method of detecting fast neutrons of energy greater than 5 MeV is provided. The method includes providing a neutron detector including a plate having plurality of detection sites disposed thereon which produce an electron output. The neutron detector is directly coupled to an electron detector without an intermediate scintillator layer. The detector is positioned so that neutrons are incident on the detector and the output of the electron detector is detected.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for imaging radionuclide emissions comprising: a charge coupled device or CMOS active pixel sensor device; and a scintillator layer in direct contact with the charge coupled device or CMOS active pixel sensor device; in which the thickness of the scintillator layer is greater than 200 ?m, preferably greater than 400 ?m, most preferably about 500 ?m.

Abstract: A method for screening patients for heart failure such as left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) comprises measuring a biomarker and taking an ECG measurement and combining both as factors to obtain a result indicative of the probability of the patient having heart failure. As a result the level of accuracy of the screening is significantly increased. Preferred biomarkers are natriuretic peptides (e.g. ANP, BNP).