Abstract: The invention is in the field of virology and relates to the deformed wing virus (DWV). A new strain of deformed wing virus (DWV) has been identified that is predominant in bees infested with Varroa mites. This particular strain of DWV can be used in diagnostics to identify at risk colonies. Also, inhibitors of the particular strain may be used in the treatment and/or prevention of DWV.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting an article comprising: a controller configured to generate a drive signal having a periodic amplitude variation; a source, the source being operable by the controller to emit a source beam thereby to irradiate an article, the source beam comprising a beam of electromagnetic radiation having a periodic amplitude variation corresponding to that of the drive signal; and a detector, the detector being configured to detect a portion of the source beam that has been transmitted through at least a portion of the article, and to generate a detector signal having an amplitude variation corresponding to the amplitude variation of said portion of the source beam, the controller being further configured to generate a difference value corresponding to a difference between the amplitude of the detector signal and the amplitude of a reference signal.

Abstract: A plant comprising a modified Flowering Locus (FT) polynucleotide expressing a modified polypeptide exhibits altered flowering time, floral numbers and/or increased seed production. Different mutant sequences conferring different phenotypes are disclosed.

Abstract: Cloned, i.e. defined, defective interfering (DI) influenza A virus is produced in embryonated hens eggs using a method which generates large quantities of DI virus material. Co-administration of cloned DI influenza A virus with a lethal dose of virulent influenza A virus conferred protection in mice compared to a control of inactivated cloned DI influenza A virus. Control mice which received only cloned DI influenza A virus and no lethal challenge of virulent influenza A virus were not protected three weeks later on lethal challenge with infective virus. Cloned DI influenza A virus of one subtype is found to act in vivo as an effective antiviral against the same or any other sub-type of influenza A virus. The antiviral effect has been found to have both a therapeutic and a prophylactic application against influenza A infection in humans, mammals and birds.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of estimating free light chain production (FLC) in a subject comprising (i) determining an amount of FLC in a sample from the subject; and (ii) correcting the amount of FLC in the sample for FLC cleared from the source of the sample by glomerular filtration and by reticuloendothelial (RE) clearance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cryopreserving biological material. In particular, the method comprises storing the biological material at a cryopreserving temperature in a composition comprising polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). wherein the composition is substantially free of vitrification-inducing agents such as DMSO and glycerol. The invention also provides methods of inhibiting ice recrystallisation and of reducing cell damage during the warming or thawing of a cryopreserved composition comprising biological material. The invention also relates to processes for producing a biological material, and related kits.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preventing or reducing the growth of crystals in a substance which is susceptible to crystal growth in which colloidal particles having an amphiphilic structure, e.g. Janus particles, are contacted with the substance. Colloidal particles suitable for use in the invention include cross-linked, colloidal materials formed from hydrophobic monomers such as acrylates or methacrylates and hydrophilic monomers such as those derived from acrylic and/or methacrylic acid. The colloidal particles find particular use in methods of cryopreservation of biological samples (e.g. cells, tissues or organs), as a texture modifier in frozen food products, in the inhibition of gas hydrate formation, and as scale inhibitors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying compounds that act as modulators of hepatitis C (HCV) translation and/or replication, and to compounds identified by this method, and their uses in medicine. The invention also relates to an RNA useful for identifying modulators of HCV translation and/or replication. The invention further relates to a method for producing a replication-competent HCV virus.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrodes for electrochemical analysis comprising: —an insulating surface; —carbon nanotubes situated on the insulating surface at a density of at least 0.1 ?mCNT Um?2; and —an electrically conducting material in electrical contact with the carbon nanotubes; wherein the carbon nanotubes cover an area of no more than about 5.0% of the insulating surface. Methods of making such electrodes and assay devices or kits with such electrodes, are also provided.

Abstract: An additive building method for building a plurality of layers to form a build stack is provided. The method includes creating a variable potential difference between a conducting element at a first voltage potential and an ion source at a second voltage potential, and creating an electric field between the conducting element and the ion source. The electric field passes through the build stack to a nearest surface of the build stack which is nearest a transfer medium. The method further includes accumulating electric charge from the ion source on the nearest surface of the build stack, and transferring deposition material from a transfer medium onto the nearest surface. The strength of the field at the nearest surface of the build stack is controlled in order to cause a homogenous transfer of the deposition material on to the nearest surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrodes for electrochemical analysis comprising: —an insulating surface; —carbon nanotubes situated on the insulating surface at a density of at least 0.1 ?mCNT Um?2; and —an electrically conducting material in electrical contact with the carbon nanotubes; wherein the carbon nanotubes cover an area of no more than about 5.0% of the insulating surface. Methods of making such electrodes and assay devices or kits with such electrodes, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to histology analyses, and in particular, to the assessment of pathological tissues to aid in the diagnosis of disease characterized by specific pathologies, for example cancer. The invention provides methods and apparatuses for analyzing tissue samples, as well as computer-readable media programmed with software for carrying out these diagnostic methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to virology and the prevention and/or treatment of viral infection and disease in animals, including birds and humans. The invention relates to the field of antiviral treatments. The invention further relates to methods of stimulating innate immunity and natural interferon production in humans or animals and in component parts of humans or animals, including cells and tissues. The invention also relates to the field of defective interfering (DI) viruses, including cloned DI viruses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Stambomycin compounds, their derivatives and their pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of a monolithic implant for use in tissue engineering, the process comprising the steps of plasticizing at least one biocompatible material into a paste, extruding the paste through a die, and drying the extruded material to eliminate an aqueous and/or non-aqueous component. The invention also relates to a monolithic implant as thereby manufactured, and the use of such an implant as a scaffold for tissue-engineering and as a transplant tissue in reconstructive or replacement surgery.

Abstract: An electrode for electrochemical analysis is described, the electrode comprising: an insulating surface; a three-dimensional network of carbon nanotubes situated on the insulating surface; and an electrically conducting material in electrical contact with the carbon nanotubes; wherein the carbon nanotubes are oriented substantially parallel to the insulating surface. Also described is a method of manufacturing the electrode, and a method of electrochemically analysing a solution using electrodes of this type, and an associated assay device or kit.

Abstract: The invention relates to diagnostic devices, which are capable of characterising gases and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in the gastrointestinal tract, for diagnosing diseases. The invention extends to apparatuses for use in the in vivo detection and characterisation of gases and VOCs, and to methods for diagnosing diseases.

Abstract: The invention concerns the role of Glo 1 in the prevention and reversal of proteomic and genomic damage by carbonyl substrates thereof and, in particular, therapeutics that promote Glo 1 production.

Abstract: A method of producing a transparent electrode suitable for use in an organic semiconductor photovoltaic device. First and second silanes (3) are deposited from the vapour phase on a substrate (1) and bind to the surface of the substrate. A metal film (4) is then deposited from the vapour phase and binds to both the first and second silanes so as to produce a transparent metal layer having a thickness which is no greater than about 15 nanometres. The first silane is a non-amino functional silane and the second silane is an aminofunctional silane. The electrode may be flexible, using a polymer substrate (1). The metal film (4) may be provided with a plurality of apertures (5), provided for example by masking the substrate with microspheres (2) while depositing the metal and subsequently removing the microspheres, and/or annealing the metal so that apertures appear.

Abstract: A method comprises bonding a silicon wafer or silicon-on-insulator wafer having a monocrystalline silicon surface region and a wafer-like carrier comprising silicon carbide so as to form a composite wafer having a surface with the monocrystalline silicon surface region for silicon carbide heterogrowth, such as heteroepitaxy. The composite wafer can help avoid wafer bow.