Abstract: An apparatus is provided for detecting Macro Sleep Architecture states of a subject such as WAKE, NREM and REM sleep from a subject's EEG. The apparatus includes an EEG digital signal assembly of modules arranged to convert analogue EEG signals into digital EEG signals. A bispectrum assembly is responsive to the EEG digital signal assembly and converts the digital EEG signals into signals representing corresponding bispectrum values. A bispectrum time series assembly, in electrical communication with an output side of the bispectrum assembly, generates at least one bispectrum time series for a predetermined frequency. A macro-sleep architecture (MSA) assembly is responsive to the bispectrum time series assembly and is arranged to produce classification signals indicating classification of segments of the EEG signals into macro-sleep states of the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides for certain sulfonyl ureas and related compounds which have advantageous properties and show useful activity in the inhibition of activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Such compounds are useful in the treatment of a wide range of disorders in which the inflammation process, or more specifically the NLRP3 inflammasome, have been implicated as being a key factor.

Abstract: A tunable optical device comprising an optical ring cavity and one or more pairs of electrodes for capacitive actuation of the optical tuning. Applying a potential difference to the electrodes applies a capacitive force to the optical ring cavity which changes the optical resonance frequency. The device can be used as a binary optical switch.

Abstract: Conjugate compounds of hyaluronic acid bonded to pentosan polysulfate, or salts or derivatives thereof, are shown to induce chondrogenic differentiation of a population of mesenchymal stem cells as observed by, amongst other indications, increased glycosaminogSycan (GAG) production.

Abstract: The present invention provides for certain sulfonyl ureas and related compounds which have advantageous properties and show useful activity in the inhibition of activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Such compounds are useful in the treatment of a wide range of disorders in which the inflammation process, or more specifically the NLRP3 inflammasome, have been implicated as being a key factor.

Abstract: The invention relates to disulfide-rich peptides derived from spider venom and their use, particularly as neuroprotective agents. The invention also relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding the peptides as well as constructs and host cells comprising those nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: A method and kit for detecting a target nucleic acid is provided wherein combining an amplified nucleic acid with a particle such as a paramagnetic bead form a flocculated complex which can be detected by visual inspection. The volume of nucleic acid sample that can be detected is as low as a few microlitres. The method can be applied to in-the-field or point-of-care diagnosis for a rapid determination of the presence or absence of the target nucleic acid. The methylation status of a target nucleic acid can also be determined. The method and lit may have general applicability to detecting diseases in plants and animals, environmental testing and testing for contamination of foods and other edible products.

Abstract: An isolated protein that is highly abundant in the seed of wheat varieties with desirable breadmaking qualities is provided. Associated promoters and promoter active fragments are also provided. Further provided are plants or plant parts with improved or enhanced breadmaking properties, and methods of producing such plants, wherein the abundance of the isolated protein is increased or enhanced. Such plants and/or plant parts may be used in the production of plant products, for example bread and read products.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a composition for delivery of double stranded RNA to an insect having a basic pH within its alimentary canal, wherein the composition comprises double stranded RNA adsorbed onto a clay complex, and wherein the clay complex is configured to release the double stranded RNA at the basic pH. Other aspects of the invention relate to preparations including the composition of the invention, methods of delivering double stranded RNA to an insect and methods of protecting a crop against an insect.

Abstract: The present invention discloses small plant virus RNA molecules involved in modulating a plant defence response, particularly non-translated, plant viral microRNA molecules. The present invention also provides methods of their production and uses of these microRNA molecules for reducing a susceptibility of a plant to a pathogen.

Abstract: An inclusion complex of an amorphous ?-cyclodextrin, or derivative thereof, with encapsulated ethylene is provided by exposure of the dry solid amorphous ?-cyclodextrin to ethylene gas under pressure. The inclusion complex will have applications in a number of fields including fruit ripening.

Abstract: A method of selectively modulating the activity of C5a receptor 2 (C5aR2). The method includes exposing the receptor to a compound that selectively modulates C5aR2 compared to C5a receptor 1 (C5aR1). In some cases, the compound is peptide P32 or P59. Methods of recruiting ?-arrestin 2 in a cell, modulating C5a-induced ERK1/2 activation in a macrophage, selectively inhibiting the release of IL-6 from a macrophage, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of endocytosis inhibitors, including clathrin-dependent endocytosis inhibitors such as inhibitors of dynamin and antibodies, for enhancing the immune response to cancer, and thereby treating cancers including cancer associated receptor positive cancers.

Abstract: An autothermal reforming catalytic structure for generating hydrogen gas from liquid hydrocarbons, steam and an oxygen source. The autothermal reforming catalytic structure includes a support structure and nanosized mixed metal oxide particles dispersed homogenously throughout the support structure.

Abstract: An autothermal reforming catalytic structure for generating hydrogen gas from liquid hydrocarbons, steam and an oxygen source. The autothermal reforming catalytic structure includes a support structure and nanosized mixed metal oxide particles dispersed homogenously throughout the support structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides ligands which bind to MR1, some of which induce MR1 to bind to MAIT cells thereby activating or inhibiting MAIT cell activation.

Abstract: A THz quantum cascade laser is used to investigate a target by directing a first beam of laser radiation from the laser at the target to thereby produce a second beam of laser radiation by interaction of the first beam with the target. Self-mixing of the first and second beams occurs within the laser and causes variations in a signal such as the operating voltage of the laser. An operating parameter of the laser that affects the interaction of the first beam with, the target is varied. The operating voltage is monitored and processed to determine phase and amplitude changes associated with material properties of the target. Consequently in one embodiment the invention provides for processing the variations in the signal to produce various images of the target.

Abstract: A method for preparing a suspension of LDH particles comprising the steps of: preparing LDH precipitates by coprecipitation to form a mixture of LDH precipitates and solution; separating the LDH precipitates from the solution; washing the LDH precipitates to remove residual ions; mixing the LDH precipitates with water; and subjecting the mixture of LDH particles and water to a hydrothermal treatment step by heating to a temperature of from greater than 80° C. to 150° C. for a period of about 1 hour to about 144 hours to form a well dispersed suspension of LDH particles in water, wherein said LDH particles in suspension comprise platelets having a maximum particle dimension of up to 400 nm.

Abstract: A device for the detection of target entities, the device including: a fluidic channel to conduct a liquid sample containing at least one type of target entity to be detected; and mutually spaced electrodes disposed along the fluidic channel; wherein the mutually spaced electrodes are functionalized to selectively bond to the at least one type of target entity and are configured to electro-hydrodynamically pump the liquid sample along the fluidic channel on application of a signal to the electrodes, such that selectivity of attachment of the at least one type of target entity to the electrodes is determined by at least one parameter of the signal.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for isolating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC). More particularly, the present invention discloses methods for isolating endothelial progenitor cells that exhibit self-renewal and differentiation capacity. The isolated cellular population of the present invention is useful in a wide range of clinical and research setting including inter alia, the in vitro or in vivo generation of endothelial cells and the therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of a range of conditions via the administration of these cells. Also facilitated is the isolation of endothelial progenitor cells for research purposes such as in vitro based screening systems for testing the therapeutic impact and/or toxicity of potential treatment or culture regimes to which these cells may be exposed to. The present invention also discloses methods for isolating mesenchymal stem cells, in particular mesenchymal stem cells of fetal and/or maternal origin.