Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting nucleic acids and particularly to a method of analyzing for the presence and/or amount of a nucleic acid.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acid molecules that include a tau gene sequence are described. The tau gene sequences have a mutation linked to a Tau pathology. Transgenic non-human mammals containing a Tau pathology also are also described.

Abstract: An image of a scene partially obscured by atmospheric backscattered light is enhanced by taking account of variations in the mean backscattered flux component resulting from variations in the distance between the point from, which the image is captured and points in the terrain contributing to the scene. A series of images of the scene is captured, and an averaged image is produced in which each pixel has a brightness which is an average of the brightness of those portions of the captured images that represent the same region of the scene as that pixel. A model is defined to represent the relationship between the brightness of a pixel of the averaged image and the distance between the point of view from which the image represents and the point in the scene represented by that pixel of the image. An estimate of the contribution of atmospheric backscattered light to the brightness of each pixel of the image is computed from the model.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of compounds which inhibit selectively mu opioid receptor activity, or activation, for the treatment of dyskinesia (which, for example, may arise as a side effect of L-DOPA therapy). The compounds used are preferably mu opioid receptor antagonists such as cyprodime.

Abstract: The invention is to a method for the treatment of dyskinesia which comprises administering a selective mu opioid receptor antagonist.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an inhibitor of cysteine proteinase activity in conjunction with an inhibitor of any serine proteinase activity other than trypsin for the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention or treatment of a condition in which an allergen traverses an epithelial barrier such as asthma. Also included in the invention are formulations and kits containing serine and cysteine proteinase inhibitors and their use in the prevention or treatment of conditions in which an allergen traverses an epithelial barrier.

Abstract: A timing circuit records the duration of intervals between a plurality of events in a data stream. The circuit includes at least two timing channels, each arranged to generate a signal representing time elapsed between events. The rate of change of the signal generated by each timing channel varies with increasing interval duration, and the timing channels are arranged such that each event terminates the operation of one timing channel and initiates operation of another timing channel.

Abstract: A method for generating an intermediate representation of computer program code written for running on a programmable machine comprises: (i) generating a plurality of register objects for holding variable values to be generated by the program code; and (ii) generating a plurality of expression objects representing fixed values and/or relationships between said fixed values and said variable values according to said program code; said objects being organized into a branched tree-like network having all register objects at the lowest basic root or tree-trunk level of the network with no register object feeding into any other register object.

Abstract: The present application relates to the use of compounds that influence the sex hormone system for the treatment of wounds and/or fibrotic disorders. Preferred compounds for use in such treatments are steroid hormones and especially the oestrogens.

Abstract: A sensor uses an immobilized affinity component capable of interacting with analyte species and being associated with a conducting polymer such that the interaction of the affinity component and the analyte induces change in the electrical properties of the polymer. An AC signal is applied to the polymer, and the induced change in impedance resulting from the interaction is measured. The impedance is measured at a frequency or frequencies corresponding to a peak or peaks in the relationship between frequency and impedance change for the polymer and the analyte. The measurement may be made by reference to the imaginary or real component of impedance. The polymer may be in the form of a layer bridging two electrodes between which the impedance is measured. The two electrodes may together define an interdigitated electrode assembly.

Abstract: A muscle stimulator for improving muscle strength and/or endurance. Stimulating pluses are applied to the muscle, the pattern of pulses including a first component in the form of a continuous train of pulses at a first pulse repetition frequency of, for example, between 1 and 6 Hz; a second component in the form of a series of pulse trains at a second pulse repetition frequency of, for example, 40 to 60 Hz; and a third component in the form of a pair of pulses at a third pulse repetition frequency of, for example, 120 to 200 Hz.

Abstract: A photorefractive composite comprises a charge transport matrix and an electrooptic dye having an aliphatic group of four or more carbon atoms.

Abstract: A method for detecting for the presence of a degenerative brain disease such as BSE or CJD. A measurement is made of the respiratory sinus arrhythmia of any mammal which is suspected of suffering from the degenerative brain disease. It is assumed that the mammal is suffering from such a disease if the measured RSA is outside a predetermined reference range. The reference range may be determined from data which forms the basis for the calculation of the RSA range by applying a suitable test for randomness.

Abstract: There is disclosed molecules comprising at least a first moiety having the activity of a procollagen C-propeptide and a second moiety selected from any one of the group of an alien collagen &agr;-chain and non-collagen materials, the first moiety being attached to the second moiety. Also disclosed are collagen molecules, fibrils and fibres comprising a non-natural combination of collagen &agr;-chains, DNA encoding same, expression hosts transformed or transfected with same, transgenic animals and methods of producing a non-natural collagen.

Abstract: The present invention concerns analogues of mannose-6-phosphate for use in promoting the healing of wounds or fibrotic disorders with reduced scarring, and methods for doing same.

Abstract: The use of a compound which prevents, inhibits or modifies the action of interleukin-1 as an active agent for the treatment of conditions of neurological degeneration. The active agent may be IL-1 receptor antagonist, particularly recombinant IL-1 ra.

Abstract: A sample analyzer incorporates a sensor unit for providing a desired analysis of a sample. The analyzer includes a first body portion having a sensor surface (of the sensor unit) to which a sample is applied for effecting the analysis, a second body portion which is openable and closable together with said first body portion, a chamber incorporating the sensor surface when the first and second body portions are in the closed position, at least one reservoir for holding a treatment liquid and is capable of communicating with the chamber and providing a supply of treatment liquid to the chamber when the body portions are closed.

Abstract: Method and electrode assemblies for using or installing an electrode (especially enzyme electrode) in vivo, in which a protecting medium is introduced at the installation site to suppress adverse effects on the electrode's output. The medium is preferably an isotonic solution (e.g. saline) and/or a buffer solution and/or an anti-coagulant, and may be of increased viscosity (e.g. a gel, or hydrogel), and may be coated on the electrode assembly. The preferred electrode assembly is a needle within a trocar cannula, preferably with the needle tip set back to form a recess to contain gelled medium which can then be fed with liquid medium. The assembly can be made as a sterilized, sealed pack bearing calibration and/or other data relevant to its use, especially in machine-readable form.

Abstract: The present invention concerns soluble betaglycan for use in promoting the healing of wounds or fibrotic disorders with reduced scarring, together with methods for same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a purified stress protein of 86 Kd and fragments thereof isolated from the genus Corynebacterium. Particular fragments include those with apparent molecular weights of 50 Kd and 52 Kd. The stress protein has been found to be an immunodominant conserved antigen. Patients with Corynebacterium jeikeium septicemia or endocarditis have antibody to the 52 Kd breakdown product. The protein cross-reacts with a peptide antigen KVIRKNIVKKMIE (see SEQ ID No. 1) using a mouse monoclonal antibody against the peptide. The stress protein is useful for improved diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of Corynebacterium infections and diseases.