Abstract: An improved method of separating a macromolecule by isoelectric focusing comprising subjecting the macromolecule to electrophoresis in an isoelectric-focusing medium including a substantially thiol-free reducing agent, preferably a trivalent phosphorous compound and more preferably tributyl phosphine, the improvement being the solubility and focusing of the macromolecule is enhanced compared to isoelectric focusing of the same macromolecule in a similar isoelectric-focusing medium containing a thiol-reducing agent.

Abstract: Described is a method for analyzing at least one sample in an array of samples, the method including recording an image of the position of at least one sample relative to the other sample; utilizing the recorded image to allow the application of a reagent or a succession of reagents to at least one sample in situ; and analyzing at least one sample for a reaction with the reagent(s). Also described is an apparatus for analyzing at least one sample in an array of samples, the apparatus including (a) a device to record an image of the position of at least one sample relative to the other samples; (b) a device to apply a reagent or sequence of reagents to at least one sample in situ; (c) a device to analyse at least one sample for a reaction with the reagent(s); and (d) a device to control the application of reagent(s) to the samples.

Abstract: The RF power passing through a given position in a monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) is determined using the Seeback effect. The MMIC includes at least certain components of a voltage creating circuit, including a first Seebeck junction (1) on the MMIC at a given position and a second Seebeck junction (5) at a different position. The voltage generated between the two junctions (1, 5) as a result of differential heating caused by the passage of RF power through the given position is measured with a voltmeter (9). By calibration, the RF power is related to a measured Seebeck voltage created when the circuit is in operation and hence can be determined. The Seebeck circuitry may be independent of the MMIC circuitry or be integrated into the active circuitry of the MMIC itself.

Abstract: Antigenic polypeptides and peptides from Cryptosporidium, and nucleic acid molecules encoding same, are dis-closed which have potential for use in a protective vaccine preparation. A preferred polypeptide has the amino acid sequence, (a).

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved fastening tape for use on a disposable absorbent garment. The fastening tape comprises a first substrate and an interlocking material attached to said first substrate. The interlocking material extends the entire width of the fastening tape, and the interlocking material is longitudinally spaced from both transverse edges of the fastening tape. Also disclosed is a process for manufacturing the fastening tape. The process involves providing a continuous length of an interlocking material having a width and traveling in a first direction. The interlocking material is attached to a first substrate to form a composite. The composite is then cut along a second direction to form fastening tapes suitable for attachment on a disposable absorbent garment. The second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition which comprises microparticles comprising (i) a biologically active compound capable of generating an immune response in an animal to which it is administered which is protective against a pathogen; (ii) a polymeric material capable of forming microspheres; and (iii) an immunostimulant comprising a phospholipid. The composition is particularly useful for the oral administration of vaccines.

Abstract: An immunogenic reagent which produces an immune response which is protective against Bacillus anthracis, said reagent comprising one or more polypeptides which together represent up to three domains of the full length Protective Antigen (PA) of B. anthracis or variants of these, and at least one of said domains comprises domain 1 or domain 4 of PA or a variant thereof. The polypeptides of the immunogenic reagent as well as full length PA are produced by expression from E. coli. High yields of polypeptide are obtained using this method. Cells, vectors and nucleic acids used in the method are also described and claimed.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus for the simultaneous electrophoretic separation of a plurality of component mixtures using a disposable tray having a plurality of parallel troughs shaped to retain an elongate strip of isoelectric focusing medium and sufficient liquid to immerse the elongate strip. A frame is provided to retain the tray in a horizontal position using a pair of rotatably mounted support members moving between an open and closed position. Support members are also connected to a plurality of electrodes aligned with each of the troughs so that the electrodes are positioned clear of the troughs in the open position and positioned in the troughs when in the closed position.

Abstract: Methods for producing glycan nitrones comprising reacting glycans with a mono-N-substituted hydroxylamine at pH 6 or greater to form glycan nitrones. Methods for producing glycan derivatives comprising reacting glycan nitrones produced by reacting glycans with a mono-N-substituted hydroxylamine at pH 6 or greater with a reducing agent to form hydroxylamine glycan derivatives and uses of the glycan nitrones and hydroxylamine glycan derivatives produced by the methods.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved fastening tape for use on a disposable absorbent garment. The fastening tape comprises a first substrate and an interlocking material attached to said first substrate. The interlocking material extends the entire width of the fastening tape, and the interlocking material is longitudinally spaced from both transverse edges of the fastening tape. Also disclosed is a process for manufacturing the fastening tape. The process involves providing a continuous length of an interlocking material having a width and traveling in a first direction. The interlocking material is attached to a first substrate to form a composite. The composite is then cut along a second direction to form fastening tapes suitable for attachment on a disposable absorbent garment. The second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: Speech-band signals such as voice telephony and facsimile are trasnmitted over a power line communications system. The method comprises: receiving speech-band signals at the communications station from speech-band communications equipment; digitising the speech-band signals; encoding the digitised signals into data packets; and transmitting the data packets to/from a station over a part of the line which is external to the premises, using a packet data communications protocol. Equipment can selectively route the speech-band signals via the power line or the PSTN.

Abstract: A preparative method of separating oligosaccharides from contaminants such as peptides and salts, comprising the steps of reacting a solution containing oligosaccharides and contaminants with a solid support comprising graphitized carbon such that the oligosaccharides substantially bind to the solid support; washing the support to remove any contaminants not bound to the solid support; and eluting the bound oligosaccharide from the support without eluting bound contaminants to obtain a solution of oligosaccharides substantially free of contaminants.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting a leak in a pipe, and determining the location of that leak, comprises a cover plate for an opening into the pipe to be tested, such as an end cap for threading onto the end of a pipe, the cover plate having an aperture through which extends a flexible hose having an inflatable bladder at its free end. The hose is calibrated from its free end and is pushed into the pipe through the aperture for a known distance, whereafter the bladder is inflated by air supplied under pressure to the hose, so as to seal the pipe between the bladder and the cover plate. Air under pressure is then supplied to the sealed portion of the pipe and the pressure drop within that sealed portion is monitored over a period of time. By repeatedly performing the method but each time moving the hose further into the pipe, the location of the leak may accurately be determined.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide molecules and methods are disclosed for the detection of viable oocysts or other cells of the protozoa species, Cyrptosporidium parvum. Preferred oligonucleotide molecules are selected from the group comprising oligonucleotides having one or more of the following sequences: (a) ACA ATT ATT, (b) CTT TTT GGT, (c) ATT TTA TAT AAA ATA TTT TGA TGA A, (d) TTT TTT TTT TTA GTA T, (e) TAT ATT TTT TAT CTG, (f) CTT TAC TTA CAT GGA TAA CCG, or comprising a part of the sequences (a) to (f) above so as to allow specific hybridization to unique 18S rRNA sequences of C. parvum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for screening, sensing, or diagnosing disease states by obtaining a plurality of electrical impedance data measurements in organized patterns from two anatomically homologous body regions, one of which may be affected by disease. One subset of the data so obtained is processed and analyzed after structuring the data values as elements of an n.times.n impedance matrix, and deriving from these matrices their eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The matrices and their derivatives are then related by their characteristics to normal or disease states.

Abstract: The present invention consists in methods of preparing derivatives either isolation or from glycopeptides or glycoproteins. The methods comprise producing sugar hydrazones, sugar pyrazoles, glycosylpyrazones, azoglycan dyes and hydrazoglycan dyes. The present invention also relates to the removal of O-glycans from glycopeptides or glycoproteins, immobilising reducing sugars onto solid supports and methods to obtain sugars from glycopeptide or glycoprotein comprising subjecting the glycopeptide or glycoprotein to solid-phase Edman degradation followed by separating and characterizing the sugars.

Abstract: Isolates of Paecilomyces lilacinus, Paecilomyces lilacinus 251 (AGAL 89/030550), Paecilomyces lilacinus 252 (AGAL 90/028188A), Paecilomyces lilacinus 253 (AGAL 90/028188B), and Paecilomyces lilacinus 254 (AGAL 90/028188C), which exhibit aggressive and fast nematicidal activity at commercially useful spore concentrations and methods of using the disclosed strains of P. lilacinus to biologically control nematode infestation in crop plants, thereby reducing the need for chemical nematicides.

Abstract: The present invention consists in methods of preparing sugar derivatives either in isolation or from glycopeptides or glycoproteins. The methods comprise producing sugar hydrazones, sugar pyrazoles, glycosylpyrazones, azoglycan dyes and hydrazoglycan dyes. The present invention also relates to the removal of O-glycans from glycopeptides or glycoproteins, immobilizing reducing sugars onto solid supports and methods to obtain sugars from a glycopeptide or glycoprotein comprising subjecting the glycopeptide or glycoprotein to solid phase Edman degradation followed by separating and characterizing the sugars.

Abstract: A foldable playyard includes a lower frame assembly including a hub and a plurality of hub legs with one end portion of each of the hub legs pivotally coupled to the hub. The foldable playyard also includes an upper frame assembly including a plurality of side rail units, each including a pair of rails and a medial rail connecting member pivotally connecting one end portion of each rail, the medial rail connecting member enabling the pair of rails to be collapsible from a substantially in-line configuration to a substantially V-shaped configuration. Also included are corner legs for interconnecting the upper and lower frame assemblies. The hub includes a locking member and at least one of the hub legs includes an engaging portion adjacent to the locking member to prevent the hub leg from pivoting relative to the hub.

Abstract: A latch for a collapsible stroller includes a primary latch structure and a secondary latch structure which operate differently, thus providing improved safety characteristics. The primary latch structure is locked until the secondary latch structure is actuated. Operation of both the primary latch structure and the secondary latch structure is easily performed with one hand. When setting up the stroller, both the primary latch structure and the secondary latch structure are automatically engaged.