Abstract: A shutter mechanism for collimating x-rays has two parallel drive shafts and two parallel guide shafts orthogonal to the drive shafts to define a rectangular aperture. Two flexible bands moving around a generally rectangular path about the aperture independently control the positions of each set of shutters. Two cams on the drive shafts control the positions of the flexible bands and shutters. A pair of transverse shutters made of an x-ray opaque material are held in sliding engagement between the drive shafts. One end of each transverse shutter is attached to the first flexible band adjacent to the drive shafts. Similarly, a pair of longitudinal shutters are held in sliding engagement between the drive shafts. One end of each longitudinal shutter is attached to the second flexible band adjacent to the guide shafts.

Abstract: A shutter mechanism for collimating x-rays has two parallel drive shafts and two parallel guide shafts orthogonal to the drive shafts to define a rectangular aperture. Two flexible bands moving around a generally rectangular path about the aperture independently control the positions of each set of shutters. Two cams on the drive shafts control the positions of the flexible bands and shutters. A pair of transverse shutters made of an x-ray opaque material are held in sliding engagement between the drive shafts. One end of each transverse shutter is attached to the first flexible band adjacent to the drive shafts. Similarly, a pair of longitudinal shutters are held in sliding engagement between the drive shafts. One end of each longitudinal shutter is attached to the second flexible band adjacent to the guide shafts.

Abstract: Method of identifying resistance to Hepatitis C infection wherein the presence of HLA-DRB1*1301-3, HLA-DRB1*1201, HLA-DRB1*1101 or HLA-DRB1*0701 are identified. Peptides capable of modifying immune response and methods of treating Hepatitis C are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of predicting those individuals likely to develop persistent infection after exposure to a virus such as the hepatitis virus, particularly the hepatitis B virus. In one embodiment, the method comprises determining whether the subject carries one or more alleles associated with altered clearance of the virus. In another embodiment, the method comprises determining whether the subject carries one or more alleles associated with altered secretion of a cytokine.

Abstract: Methods for prediciting the outcome of infection of HBV are provided, as well as kits for use in such methods. In particular, methods which comprise determination of the presence of mutations in exon 1 of the gene coding for the human MBP gene are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of IFN&agr;21 in the manufacture of medicaments for use in activating Th2 helper cells.

Abstract: Methods of identifying resistance to Hepatitis B infection are disclosed, as well as peptides capable of modifying immune response and methods of treating Hepatitis B.

Abstract: The use of an IFN-&agr; subtype is provided for the preparation of a medicament to enhance the T-cell immune response in therapy of cancer, bacterial or parasitic infection or systemic viral infection amongst other disease conditions. Also provided are pharmaceutical formulations which include such sub-types of IFN-&agr; and methods of treatment, including treatment of cancer, bacterial or parasitic infection or systemic viral infection amongst other disease conditions.

Abstract: Modified baculovirus particles containing prophylactic and/or therapeutic nucleic acid are provided, together with their use in treating liver conditions such as viral infections.

Abstract: An isolated polypeptide comprising a substantially antigenic part of at least one hepatitis A virus epitope, the polypeptide being free from infectious material. The polypeptide is the expression product of a DNA molecule which has been incorporated into a virus, preferably vaccinia virus, using recombinant DNA technology. This expression product, of the recombinant virus containing the DNA molecule coding for it, may be incorporated into a vaccine for immunising against hepatitis A virus.

Abstract: A spark gap electrode assembly for lithotripters allows easy replacement of both electrode tips without requiring manual adjustment of the spacing between the tips. The electrode assembly uses a housing with a conductive cage extending from its distal end to support the grounded electrode. The cage holds the base of the grounded electrode so that the tip of the grounded electrode is located at a predetermined position relative to the distal end of the housing. The discharge electrode assembly is threaded through a passageway in the housing extending along a longitudinal axis. The discharge electrode assembly includes an elongated conductive body with a proximal end for connection to an external electrical power supply and a tip at its distal end. An insulative layer covers the discharge electrode between its tip and proximal end.

Abstract: A shutter mechanism for collimating x-rays uses a frame to define an opening with two opposing interior edges. An elongated flexible band extends in sliding engagement about at least a portion of the periphery of the frame opening. A first shutter member made of an x-ray opaque material has a first end attached to the flexible band along the first interior edge of the frame. Similarly, a second shutter member made of an x-ray opaque material has a first end attached to the flexible band along the second interior edge of the frame. A drive means, such as a stepper motor, translates the flexible band relative to the frame to control the positions of the shutter members and the shutter aperture. In the preferred embodiment, the interior edges of the frame also include tracks that slidably engage the opposing edges of the shutter members for support.

Abstract: The new hybridoma cell lines RF-HBs-1, RF-HBs-2 and RF-HBs-4 each secrete a nonoclonal antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen. The production of the antibodies may be carried out in vitro by culturing one of the cell lines or in vivo by establishing one of the cell lines as an ascites tumour in a mouse and isolating antibodies from the ascites fluid or from the serum. The antibodies have therapeutic, preventative and diagnostic uses in respect of hepatitis B virus infections and can be used to purify hepatitis B surface antigen. The relative specificities of the three monoclonal antibodies make them particularly useful in radiometric assay techniques employing specific combinations of the antibodies in solid phase.

Abstract: A dual axis translation mechanism for holding and moving an object of variable dimension to a position defined by first and second axis. The mechanism includes a frame, a carriage mounted on the frame for movement with respect to the frame in the first axis, and an object holding means coupled with the carriage for holding and moving the object with respect to the carriage in the second axis. A motor selectively drives a first shaft and a drive/brake assembly provides a second shaft which, in a drive mode of the assembly is driven synchronously with the first shaft and, which in a brake mode of the assembly is held non-driven while the first shaft is being driven. First and second endless belts are mounted for rotating movement within the frame and extend in a direction parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: A mechanism for selective translation of an object along first and second axes comprises a frame, a carriage mounted on the frame for sliding movement with respect to the frame along the first axis, a holder for said object and an intermediate mounting means coupled to the holder and the carriage for mounting the holder on the carriage for sliding movement with respect to the carriage along the second axis. A motor is provided for selectively driving a first shaft and a drive/brake assembly provides a second shaft. In a drive mode of the assembly the second shaft is allowed to be driven synchronously with the first shaft and, in a brake mode of the assembly, is held non-driven while the first shaft is being driven. First and second endless belts are coupled to the first and second shafts, respectively, for receiving selective rotational movement therefrom.