Abstract: A process comprising substitution of an acceptor molecule comprising a group —XC(O)— wherein X is O, S, or NR8, where R8 is C1-6 alkyl, C6-12 aryl or hydrogen, with a nucleophile, wherein the acceptor molecule is cyclised such that said nucleophilic substitution at —XC(O)— occurs without racemization, is provided. This process has particular application for the production of a peptide by extension from the activated carboxy-terminus of an acyl amino acid residue without epimerization.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing a hydrogel from a hydrophilic polymer having one or more functional groups which are capable of co-reacting in a condensation reaction which method comprises the steps of: (i) preparing a solution of the polymer; (ii) heating the solution to a temperature sufficient for the condensation reaction to take place for a period of time sufficient for the hydrogel to cross-link wherein where the hydrophilic polymer comprises a first and a second hydrophilic polymer, step (i) comprises a step of mixing the hydrophilic polymers to prepare a homogeneous intimate mixture of the polymers; and wherein the heating step (ii) is carried out at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. The method of the invention is advantageous because it is relatively low cost, it is a safer procedure with less health & safety concerns, it is carried out in a liquid state and is not limited by film thickness.

Abstract: A process comprising substitution of an acceptor molecule comprising a group —XC(O)— wherein X is O, S, or NR8, where R8 is C1-6 alkyl, C6-12 aryl or hydrogen, with a nucleophile, wherein the acceptor molecule is cyclised such that said nucleophilic substitution at —XC(O)— occurs without racemisation, is provided. This process has particular application for the production of a peptide by extension from the activated carboxy-terminus of an acyl amino acid residue without epimerisation.

Abstract: A system and method are described for detecting toxic gas releases in an urban environment. The system includes a series of repositionable remote sensor nodes that are located in an environment containing a toxic gas, the sensor nodes including a chemical sensor and/or a meteorological sensor. The sensor nodes gather data relating to the type of gas released and the surrounding atmospheric conditions and relay the information back to a data processing hub where the data is collated and analysed to produce an indication of the likely spread of the gas plume, the likely danger to the surrounding population and an indication of the release point of the gas.

Abstract: An ion-conducting membrane comprising a polymer component and a macrocyclic compound, wherein the macro-cyclic compound is functionalised with one or more ion-conducting groups is disclosed. The membrane is suitable for use in a fuel cell.

Abstract: The current invention provides new human variable chain framework regions and humanized antibodies comprising the framework regions. The invention also provides a new method of identifying framework acceptor regions in framework sequences for backmutation to graft a donor sequence to the human framework.

Abstract: A novel probiotic strain termed Lactobacillus pentosus NCIMB 41114 is capable of preventing growth of pathogenic microorganisms in the GI tract. In particular, this bacterium inhibits Candida overgrowth, and can be employed to prevent and treat associated diseases, including IBS and thrush.

Abstract: The current invention provides new human variable chain framework regions and humanized antibodies comprising the framework regions. The invention also provides a new method of identifying framework acceptor regions in framework sequences for backmutation to graft a donor sequence to the human framework.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus comprises two rotatable bodies (1, 10 or 40) arranged to rotate in opposite directions. The first body being a polarizer (10) and the second being a mirror (1) or a second polarizer (40). The apparatus is arranged to define an optical path for a polarized beam, wherein the optical path passes through the first body (10), is reflected at the second body (1 or 40), and is reflected by the first body (10) back to the second body (1 or 40) from where it is transmitted or reflected to produce a linear scan. There is also disclosed a scanning system comprising a reflector (1) and an optical wedge (42) containing refractive materials, arranged to counter rotate and arranged so that a beam passing through the optical wedge (42), is reflected by the reflector (1) and passes back through the optical wedge (42) to produce a linear scan.

Abstract: Materials and methods for reacting polysaccharides are set forth. Examples include reacting polysaccharides with a surface, and reacting polysaccharides with other polysaccharides or polymers to form a polysaccharide polymer. Layers of polysaccharides and/or polysaccharide polymers may be formed on surfaces, for example, medical device surfaces that contact bodily fluids.

Abstract: A method for diagnosis of pre-eclampsia is disclosed, which comprises measuring the hormone inhibin A in a biological sample such as maternal serum. The method allows non-invasive, early diagnosis and can be used to predict the onset of secondary symptoms.

Abstract: “Head-to-head” bis-benzimidazoles having the following formula wherein A1, A2, X1 and X2 are as defined in the following specification, have been found to bind to specific sequences in the minor groove of duplex DNA, and to have cytotoxic effects against a range of tumor cell lines.

Abstract: The invention provides a synthetic bone precursor material comprising amorphous calcium phosphate and a constituent that inhibits the crystallisation of calcium hydroxyapatite to amorphous calcium phosphate. The synthetic bone precursor may comprise a material of formula CaxMgyPO4 wherein Mg acts as an inhibitor for crystallisation. Other crystallisation inhibitors such as pyrophosphate may be present. The inhibitor is capable of dissolving in physiological saline. Loss of inhibitor from the precursor allows crystallisation of hydroxyapatite. The invention relates to use of a synthetic bone precursor to form bone in vivo, by a transformation of the amorphous precursor material to crystalline hydroxyapatite bone material by the leaching action on inhibitory ions body fluids. it is envisaged that the material will be useful in facilitating bone repair, inducing bone formation or assisting in the attachment of prostheses.

Abstract: A Corticotropin Releasing Factor-binding protein (CRF-BP) is isolated and purified sufficient to provide AA sequence data from which the DNA is obtained, which is then used to produce the protein recombinantly. The CRF-BP is useful for modulating the biological activity of CRF, such as reducing the high ACTH levels in mammals caused by excess CRF. The CRF-BP or fragments thereof and/or antibodies to the proteins may be employed in diagnostic assays to determine the levels of CRF, CRF-BP and the ratio of CRF/CRF-BP in a vascular fluid sample. The DNA or subsequence thereof can be used as probes for genetic material in certain assays. The anti-CRF-BP antibodies are also useful to purify the CRF-BP protein and to modulate the biological effect of CRF-BPs proteins.

Abstract: Epoxides containing hydroxy groups are rearranged enantioselectively using a chiral base to give allyl alcohols in high enantiomeric excess, e.g. ##STR1## If R.sup.3 .noteq.H, the reaction also has the effect of generating a chiral tetrasubstituted carbon atom.

Abstract: Corticotropin Releasing Factor-binding protein (CRF-BP) is produced recombinantly and is useful for modulating the biological activity of CRF. CRF-BP or fragments thereof and/or antibodies to such polypeptides are employed in diagnostic assays to determine the levels of CRF and CRF-BP and the ratio of CRF/CRF-BP in a vascular fluid sample. Following such an assay, pregnancy-related pathological disorders, such as increased risk of premature labor, can be treated, for example, by administering CRF-BP to lower the ratio of CRF/CRF-BP to within a normal range for pregnancy. Anti-CRF-BP antibodies are also useful to purify CRF-BP and to modulate the biological effect of CRF-BPs.

Abstract: A Corticotropin Releasing Factor-binding protein (CRF-BP) is isolated and purified sufficient to provide AA sequence data from which the DNA is obtained, which is then used to produce the protein recombinantly. The CRF-BP is useful for modulating the biological activity of CRF, such as reducing the high ACTH levels in mammals caused by excess CRF. The CRF-BP or fragments thereof and/or antibodies to the proteins may be employed in diagnostic assays to determine the levels of CRF, CRF-BP and the ratio of CRF/CRF-BP in a vascular fluid sample. The DNA or subsequence thereof can be used as probes for genetic material in certain assays. The anti-CRF-BP antibodies are also useful to purify the CRF-BP protein and to modulate the biological effect of CRF-BPs proteins.

Abstract: Hair is reconfigured by treatment with a composition comprising an enzyme (protein disulphide isomerase) and a cofactor therefor.

Abstract: A process and composition for treating a material comprising wool to ameliorate ageing, mis-shaping and shrinkage employ an enzyme (protein disulphide isomerase) and a cofactor therefor.