Abstract: A method of determining aggregation rate data predicting an aggregation rate of a polypeptide defined by an amino acid sequence, the method comprising determining a hydrophobicity value, a charge value, and at least one shape propensity value for said sequence; identifying one or more aggregation-influencing patterns within said sequence; determining a pattern value for the sequence responsive to said identifying; and determining said aggregation rate data by determining a weighted combination of said hydrophobicity value, said charge value, said at least one shape propensity value, said pattern value and at least one factor extrinsic to said amino acid sequence.

Abstract: A prediction method for predicting the effect of an amino acid modification on the rate of aggregation (solubility) of a reference polypeptide comprising: calculating the difference in hydrophobicity (?Hydr) between the reference polypeptide and a modified polypeptide, calculating the difference in ?-sheet propensity (??Gcoil-?+??G?-coil) between the reference polypeptide and modified polypeptide, calculating the difference in charge (? Charge) between the reference polypeptide and modified polypeptide, and calculating: [x*?Hydr]+[y*(??Gcoil-?+??G?-coil)]?[z*?Charge], wherein x, y and z are scaling factors.

Abstract: We describe methods for identifying aggregation-prone regions in structured—that is folded—proteins. Embodiments of the method use a local propensity for aggregation (Ai) at an amino acid position, this being determined by a combination of a hydrophobicity value, an ?-helix propensity value, a ?-sheet propensity value, a charge value and a pattern value for the amino acid position. This is combined with local structural stability values for the amino acid positions to identify one or more regions in the amino acid sequence which, in the folded protein, are predicted to promote aggregation.

Abstract: A method of determining aggregation rate data predicting an aggregation rate of a polypeptide defined by an amino acid sequence, the method comprising determining a hydrophobicity value, a charge value, and at least one shape propensity value for said sequence; identifying one or more aggregation-influencing patterns within said sequence; determining a pattern value for the sequence responsive to said identifying; and determining said aggregation rate data by determining a weighted combination of said hydrophobicity value, said charge value, said at least one shape propensity value, said pattern value and at least one factor extrinsic to said amino acid sequence.

Abstract: An acoustic wave transducer substrate is provided, the substrate having a surface with a plurality of growth promotion sites for promoting the accumulation of polypeptide molecules at said sites. The growth-promotion sites are preferably for promoting fibril formation. The invention also provides a method of screening a candidate compound for an effect on fibril growth, including the steps of: providing an acoustic wave transducer substrate having a surface with a plurality of growth promotion sites for promoting the accumulation of polypeptide molecules at said sites; causing oscillation of the substrate; contacting the substrate surface with a sample fluid comprising polypeptide molecules and a candidate compound; and measuring one or more parameters of the substrate oscillation to monitor the accumulation of said polypeptide molecules of interest in the presence and absence of said candidate compound.

Abstract: A prediction method for predicting the effect of an amino acid modification on the rate of aggregation (solubility) of a reference polypeptide comprising: calculating the difference in hydrophobicity (?Hydr) between the reference polypeptide and a modified polypeptide, calculating the difference in ?-sheet propensity (??Gcoil-?+??G?-coil) between the reference polypeptide and modified polypeptide, calculating the difference in charge (? Charge) between the reference polypeptide and modified polypeptide, and calculating: [x*?Hydr]+[y*(??Gcoil-?+??G?-coil)]?[z*? Charge], wherein x, y and z are scaling factors.

Abstract: A prediction method for predicting the effect of an amino acid modification on the rate of aggregation (solubility) of a reference polypeptide comprising: calculating the difference in hydrophobicity (?Hydr) between the reference polypeptide and a modified polypeptide, calculating the difference in ?-sheet propensity (??Gcoil-?+??G?-coil) between the reference polypeptide and modified polypeptide, calculating the difference in charge (?Charge) between the reference polypeptide and modified polypeptide, and calculating: [x*?Hydr]+[y*(??Gcoil-?+??G?-coil)]?[z*?Charge], wherein x, y and z are scaling factors.

Abstract: A prediction method for predicting the effect of an amino acid modification on the rate of aggregation (solubility) of a reference polypeptide comprising: calculating the difference in hydrophobicity (?Hydr) between the reference polypeptide and a modified polypeptide, calculating the difference in ?-sheet propensity (??Gcoil-?+??G?-coil) between the reference polypeptide and modified polypeptide, calculating the difference in charge (? Charge) between the reference polypeptide and modified polypeptide, and calculating: [x*?Hydr]+[y*(??Gcoil-?+??G?-coil)]?[z*? Charge], wherein x, y and z are scaling factors.

Abstract: A golf ball carrier and cleaning device comprising a piece of fabric material, having opposite sides and a top and bottom, the top and bottom provided with spaced securing means positioned and constructed so as releasably to secure together the top and bottom, when the piece is folded about a central portion, and the securing means are in secured position, to form an open ended sleeve and provide an opening between the securing means and top and bottom through which a golf ball may be inserted into the sleeve, the piece being of a size and the securing means being positioned so that a golf ball inserted into the sleeve may be forced from the sleeve through one of its ends by squeezing the sleeve beside the ball, the piece further provided with means to suspend the piece from a desired location.

Abstract: A method of determining aggregation rate data predicting an aggregation rate of a polypeptide defined by an amino acid sequence, the method comprising determining a hydrophobicity value, a charge value, and at least one shape propensity value for said sequence; identifying one or more aggregation-influencing patterns within said sequence; determining a pattern value for the sequence responsive to said identifying; and determining said aggregation rate data by determining a weighted combination of said hydrophobicity value, said charge value, said at least one shape propensity value, said pattern value and at least one factor extrinsic to said amino acid sequence.

Abstract: An amyloid fibril substantially free of other protein is disclosed. Also disclosed are processes for preparing the fibril, and methods and uses of the fibril particularly in connection with treating diabetes, blood clotting disorders, cancer and/or heart disease.

Abstract: A prediction method for predicting the effect of an amino acid modification on the rate of aggregation (solubility) of a reference polypeptide comprising: calculating the difference in hydrophobicity (?Hydr) between the reference polypeptide and a modified polypeptide, calculating the difference in ?-sheet propensity (??Gcoil-?+??G?-coil) between the reference polypeptide and modified polypeptide, calculating the difference in charge (? Charge) between the reference polypeptide and modified polypeptide, and calculating: [x*?Hydr]+[y*(??Gcoil-?+??G?-coil)]?[z*? Charge], wherein x, y and z are scaling factors.

Abstract: A reactor 10 defines a chamber 11 in which are disposed an upper electrode 12 and a lower workpiece electrode 13. The upper electrode is connected to a R.F. supply whilst the lower electrode is connected to a stress control unit 14. The stress control unit is used to adjust or maintain the effective resistance of the connection between the workpiece electrode 13 and ground.