Abstract: Method of identifying a modulator of CD28 comprising comparing a structural model of a candidate modulator with a structural model of CD28 to thereby determine whether the modulator will bind to CD28, wherein the structural model is derived from, or comprises, structural coordinates of a crystal of: (i) CD28, (ii) a fragment of CD28, or (iii) a homolog of (i) or (ii). The crystal of CD28 in a soluble form complexed with the Fab fragment of a mitogenic (superagonistic) antibody has been obtained and used for the determination of the 3D-structure of the receptor. The application also relates to modulators of superagonistic signalling for any receptor of the CD28 family, i.e. to superagonistic antibodies and chimeric proteins thereof, and to the screening of the superagonistic modulators. In the methods of screening, the binding of the candidate modulators to a portion of the receptor proximal to the cell membrane is investigated.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure provides antibodies that can act as agonists of PD-1, thereby modulating immune responses regulated by PD-1. Another aspect of the disclosure provides compositions comprising PD-1 specific antibodies and their use in methods of down regulating the immune response. These methods can be practiced on any subject, including humans or animals. Anti-PD-1 antibodies disclosed herein may be used, in another aspect of the invention, to detect PD-1 or its fragments in a biological sample. The amount of PD-1 detected may be correlated with the expression level of PD-1, and associated with the activation status of immune cells (e.g., activated T cells, B cells, and/or monocytes) in the subject.

Abstract: A method of separating oil and water in a flow-stream through a gravity settling vessel (10) in which the flow-stream (12) separates into a lower water layer (22) and an upper oil layer (26), includes feeding an off-take stream (34) of the oil layer and/or an emulsion layer (20) that forms between the oil layer and the water layer through a compact electrostatic coalescer (CEC) (38) that has electrically isolated electrodes. The CEC coalesces water droplets in the off-take stream, and the coalesced off-take stream is then returned to the settling vessel. An associated separator apparatus for comprises: a gravity settling vessel (10); a CEC (38) including electrically isolated electrodes; a coalescer feed line (34) configured to provide an off-take stream of an oil phase and/or an emulsion layer from the settling vessel to the CEC; and a return line (40) from the CEC for returning the off-take stream to the settling vessel.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems are provided for facilitating handover to closed subscriber group cells. A method may include reading, when operating in idle mode, one or more information blocks broadcast by a closed subscriber group cell. The method may further include extracting one or more routing parameters and/or closed subscriber group identifier for the closed subscriber group cell from the one or more read information blocks. The method may additionally include storing a mapping of the one or more routing parameters and/or closed subscriber group identifier to a physical layer identifier and to a carrier frequency for the closed subscriber group cell. Corresponding apparatuses and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A jukebox is described where users having mobile telephones can access a server (2) located remote from the jukebox location and select tracks for playing on the jukebox at the user's location. The user's mobile telephone communicates on WAP or WEB on a mobile with the server (2) thereby allowing the user to view any information relating to the tracks selectable on the jukebox at the user's location. The user's selection is transmitted to the jukebox via a wireless communications network and the track played at the user's location. The communication between the remote server (2) and the jukebox allows information such as track lists selectable and information relating to the tracks to be remotely accessed by owners to allow suitable track lists to be provided for selection for different venues or different times of the day or of the year. For example, all rock songs could be removed from the selection list after 11 pm at night.

Abstract: A pressure monitoring device in accordance with the present invention comprises a housing 1 within which are provided an air inlet 2 and an air outlet 3. Connecting the air inlet 2 and the air outlet 3 is an air passage way 4 which includes a pressure take off point 9. The air inlet 2 includes' a threaded bore section 2a into which is screwed a coupling device 7 for coupling with the air outlet of a compressed air supply. The air outlet 3 is also configured to receive a coupling device 8 for coupling with the air inlet of a paint spray gun. A digital pressure gauge 5 is housed in a top surface of the housing 1 as shown in the figures. The gauge samples air pressure at the pressure take off point 9 through conduit 9a. Screw threaded into a bore 11 in the housing is a needle valve 6 which can be adjusted by means of valve adjustment means 10a, 10b to move further towards or away from the pressure take off 9.

Abstract: Apparatus for rapid discharge of one or more fire extinguishing agent(s). The apparatus includes a sealed container forming an interior volume in communication with a rapidly opening valve assembly. The interior volume contains fire extinguishing agent(s), super-pressurised by a gas such as nitrogen. A portion of the nitrogen is dissolved into the fire extinguishing agent(s). When an incident is detected which requires the discharge of the fire extinguishing agent(s) the valve is opened. Opening the valve causes rapid dissolution of the nitrogen from the fire extinguishing agent(s), forming a two-phase mixture (like a foam or mousse) which substantially fills the volume and causing the discharge of fire extinguishing agent(s) from the valve assembly.