Abstract: Sensitive and specific methods are provided for use in detecting the presence of cancer marker proteins in the body fluids of a mammal. Also provided are autoantibodies for use in these methods, and immortalized cells which are a source of the autoantibodies.

Abstract: Sensitive and specific methods are provided for use in detecting the presence of cancer marker proteins in the body fluids of a mammal. Also provided are autoantibodies for use in these methods and immortalized cells, which are a source of the autoantibodies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing a sample are provided. The method can include the steps of: (i) irradiating the sample with a beam of radiation in which at least some of the radiation results in the excitation of surface waves, (ii) exciting surface waves which are confined to an area having a principal dimension comparable to the wavelength of the surface waves, (iii) detecting radiation which includes radiation produced by the surface waves, and (iv) analyzing the detected radiation.

Abstract: A duct (10) for transporting a two phase mixture has a length portion of circular cross-section (12) leading, via a transition zone (14) in which the duct cross-section changes from circular to lobed, to a zone in which its cross-section exhibits at lcast one lobe (16) extending helically around and along the duct. The duct has across-sectional area which is substantially constant, or which progressively increases, over the transition zone. The transition from circular to lobed cross-section is alternatively smooth and continuous, and the transition zone occupies a duct length in which the or each lobe becomes relocated by at least one position.

Abstract: Methods of screening for vaccine candidates, vaccines against pathogenic neisscria and intermediaries for such vaccines have been developed. Two vaccine candidates TspA and TspB have been identified and characterised which either alone or in conjunction with the vaccines provide for treatment against pathogenic neisserias in particular Neisseria meningitidis and/or Neisseria gonorrhoea.

Abstract: The invention provides a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer article having a surface wherein a biologically active ligand is provided on said surface in a spatially controlled pattern. The pattern may be formed using a poly(dimethyl siloxane) mold. The biologically active ligand may be attached to the polymer article by a biotin-avidin-biotin linkage.

Abstract: An optical endoscopic fluid flow measurement probe assembly is disclosed having a user end and a distal end. The distal end having a light sheet generator and at least one reflected light acquirer, and the endoscope is provided with transmission means to transmit information away from the distal end. The light sheet generator is adapted in use to generate a sheet of light and the light acquirer being adapted to image light reflected from the light sheet, the light sheet generator and light acquirer being provided in the same endoscope.

Abstract: A method of screening for nucleic acid sequence copy no. in a sample genetic material, the method including introducing a no. of different genetic probes to hybridize with the genetic sample. The probes are flanked by the same or substantially the same primer binding sites thereby enabling amplification of sample-bound probes using a single primer pair and thus the screening of different sequence copy nos. at the same time. Genetic alterations are known to underlie phenotype characteristics including disorders as idiopathic mental retardation and neoplasia.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the initiation of oestrus and ovulation early postpartum, especially but not exclusively, in dairy cows which comprises supplying a prostaglandin post partum and subsequently treating with a progesterone.

Abstract: A process for attaching a polyethylene glycol compound to a macromolecule to prepare a conjugate or adduct between the polyethylene glycol compound and the macromolecule is described. The process comprises the steps of (1) preparing an activated PEG or an activated PEG derivative by incorporating an acrylic ester, an acrylic thioester or an acrylamido group into the PEG or PEG derivative; (2) reacting the activated PEG or PEG derivative with a macromolecular material comprising one or more sulphydryl groups, primary amino groups and/or secondary amino groups and (3) recovering the conjugate of the PEG or PEG derivative and the macromolecular material.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a composition comprising a biofunctional polymer substrate and biofunctional material substrate adapted for use in or in association with the human or animal body, cultivated or uncultivated living matter, wherein the biofunctional material substrate is substantially insoluble in the polymer substrate and/or a supercritical fluid, wherein the process comprises contacting a mixture of the substrates or their precursors with a supercritical fluid under supercritical conditions and conditions of reduced viscosity and physical blending to plasticise and swell the polymer and distribute the biofunctional material substrate throughout the polymer, and releasing the fluid under subcritical conditions, wherein the substrates are adapted to be isolated in form of a solid admixture comprising the biofunctional material substrate in substantially unchanged chemical form, and in substantially unchanged physical form, composition obtained thereby, polymer matrix embodiment thereof and the pr

Abstract: Compounds having anti-fibrotic effects are provided. Also provided is a method for treating disorders, diseases or conditions associated with pathological fibrotic states. The compounds useful in the present invention are homocysteine thiolactone and selected derivatives thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of predicting pregnancy, particularly, in a cow, the method comprising taking a milk sample from the cow in which a milk progesterone concentration of >3 ng ml−1 by Day 4 post insemination is indicative that the animal is pregnant. The invention also relates to methods of improving pregnancy success by timely supply of progesterone or a functional equivalent thereof (progestagen); to methods of assessing suitability for progesterone replacement therapy; and to methods of embryo transfer.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing microspheres, films and coatings from protein or modified protein in which the protein product is stabilized by carrying out the preparation in the presence of an aqueous solution of at least one &agr;-hydroxy acid. The microspheres, films and coatings so produced have improved stability in aqueous solution.

Abstract: An immunosuppressive agent, obtainable from the nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus, characterised in that the agent has a molecular weight of less than 12 kDa, is resistant to proteinase K and is not bound to a polypeptide.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a composition comprising a biofunctional polymer substrate and biofunctional material substrate adapted for use in or in association with the human or animal body, cultivated or uncultivated living matter, wherein the biofunctional material substrate is substantially insoluble in the polymer substrate and/or a supercritical fluid, wherein the process comprises contacting a mixture of the substrates or their precursors with a supercritical fluid under supercritical conditions and conditions of reduced viscosity and physical blending to plasticise and swell the polymer and distribute the biofunctional material substrate throughout the polymer, and releasing the fluid under subcritical conditions, wherein the substrates are adapted to be isolated in form of a solid admixture comprising the biofunctional material substrate in substantially unchanged chemical form, and in substantially unchanged physical form, composition obtained thereby, polymer matrix embodiment thereof and the pr

Abstract: Compositions comprising an admixture of a biofunctional polymer substrate and a biofunctional material substrate adapted for use in or in association with the human or animal body, cultivated or uncultivated living matter and methods for making and using thereof are disclosed. The biofunctional material substrate retains bioactivity in the admixture. As disclosed, the compositions may be made by a process which comprises contacting a mixture of the substrates or their precursors with a supercritical fluid under supercritical conditions of reduced viscosity to plasticise and swell the biofunctional polymer substrate and under conditions of physical blending to distribute the biofunctional material substrate throughout the biofunctional polymer substrate, and releasing the supercritical fluid under subcritical conditions. Also disclosed are biofunctional polymer matrices and methods of making and using thereof.

Abstract: Heat transfer apparatus comprises a refrigeration assembly having a low pressure region and a high pressure region. The apparatus may also include a power generation assembly connected to the refrigeration assembly between the low and high pressure regions. The refrigeration assembly and the power generation assembly are so arranged that refrigerant in the high pressure region can be passed through the power generation assembly to the low pressure region of the refrigeration assembly. Power may be generated by the power generation assembly on passage therethrough of the refrigerant. The apparatus may also include an absorption region comprising a piston and cylinder, ejector cycles in combination with absorption cycles, fibre heat exchanges, vortex tubes, and one embodiment comprises lamp or a torch.

Abstract: A method of reducing muscle fatigue during exercise or for treating chronic heart failure, the method comprising increasing the concentration of TCA cycle intermediates in the muscle mitochondria by the administration of pyruvate to the body.

Abstract: A structure of solid material for use in making an investment casting mold and a method of making it are disclosed. The structure has a plurality of levels of spaced plates arranged such that in plan view the plates define a plurality of adjoining polygonal formations. The method includes solidifying portions of a body of liquid material to provide a first set of spaced plates, solidifying further portions at different levels to provide at least a second set of plates oriented transversely of plates of the first set. Adjacent sets are interconnected along side edges in essentially point connections.