Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detection of abnormal PrP in a sample of blood or urine, said method comprising: (a) diluting the sample with buffer to comprise final concentrations of (i) 10 mM to 500 mM buffer agent; (ii) 1% to 10% w/v bovine serum albumin; and (iii) 1% to 8% w/v CHAPS; (b) adding steel particles and incubating to allow PrP binding; (c) washing the steel particles to remove diluted sample; and (d) detecting abnormal PrP captured on the steel particles using antibody capable of binding said abnormal PrP. The invention also provides compositions and kits.

Abstract: There is provided an assay fluid delivery system comprising an array of fluid reservoirs (62), each of which is selectively actuatable to deliver a respective fluid to a fluid channel structure; and a fluid delivery control system (50) comprising a plurality of reciprocally mounted actuators, each associated with a respective reservoir and being movable between a retracted position and an actuating position at which it causes fluid to be delivered from the corresponding reservoir, a plurality of cams (22) with different profiles mounted on a common, rotatable cam shaft (6), each cam being engaged with a respective one of the actuators whereby rotation of the cams causes movement of the corresponding actuators between the retracted and actuating positions, and a motor coupled to the cam shaft for rotating the cam shaft, wherein the cams are shaped relative to one another so as to cause the corresponding actuators to actuate the reservoirs in a predetermined sequence and for predetermined respective times.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of diagnosis of vCJD in a diagnostic sample of a valid body tissue taken from a human subject, which comprises detecting an increased concentration of a protein in the diagnostic sample, compared with a sample of a control human subject, the protein being: beta-actin (SwissProt Acc. No. P60709), apolipoprotein A-IV precursor (SwissProt Acc. No. P06727); haptoglobin beta-chain consisting of residues 162-406 (SwissProt Acc. No. P00738); haemoglobin beta chain (SwissProt Acc. No. P02023); or alpha-1-antitrypsin (SwissProt Acc. No. P01009); or a decreased concentration of a protein in the diagnostic sample, compared with a sample of a control, normal human subject, the protein being plasma protease (C1) inhibitor precursor (SwissProt Acc. No. P05155); complement component 1, s sub-component (SwissProt Acc. No. P09871); butyrylcholinesterase precursor (SwissProt Acc. No. P06276); complement component C4B (SwissProt Acc. No. P01028); lumican (SwissProt Acc. No.

Abstract: Systems, methods, computer-readable media for automating displays based on admissions, transfers, and discharges are provided. In embodiments, a location associated with a clinician is detected. A role associated with the clinician authenticated to a first device is determined. One or more applications associated with the clinician based on the location and the role is automatically launched on the first device. In embodiments, authentication requests from the clinician are received for a second device. A session associated with the one or more applications is suspended on the first device and resumed on the second device.

Abstract: A surfactant composition contains at least one sorbitan ester and at least one sorbitol ester wherein the mean number of carbon atoms of the hydrophobe of the sorbitan ester is greater than that of the sorbitol ester. The surfactant composition is particularly suitable for use in stabilizing emulsions, especially personal care or cosmetic products.

Abstract: A split cycle reciprocating piston engine includes a compression cylinder (2) accommodating a compression piston (4) and an expansion cylinder (12) accommodating an expansion piston (14). The compression cylinder (2) has an inlet port (30) for the admission of air and an outlet port (36) which communicates with a first path of a heat exchanger (5). The expansion cylinder (12) has an inlet port (52), which communicates with the first path of the heat exchanger (5), and an outlet port (56), which communicates with a second path of the heat exchanger (5) in heat exchange relationship with the first path. The method of operating the engine includes injecting a liquefied, non-oxidizing, non-combustible gas, such as nitrogen, into the compression cylinder (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detection of abnormal PrP in a sample of blood or urine, said method comprising: (a) diluting the sample with buffer to comprise final concentrations of (i) 10 mM to 500 mM buffer agent; (ii) 1% to 10% w/v bovine serum albumin; and (iii) 1% to 8% w/v CHAPS; (b) adding steel particles and incubating to allow PrP binding; (c) washing the steel particles to remove diluted sample; and (d) detecting abnormal PrP captured on the steel particles using antibody capable of binding said abnormal PrP. The invention also provides compositions and kits.

Abstract: A dermatological or cosmetic composition for skin care which includes the salt of an ?-hydroxy acid, ?-hydroxy acid, poly hydroxy acid or bionic acid in combination with niacinamide.

Abstract: This invention relates to skincare compositions, in particular compositions effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris, and to methods of treatment of the skin that involve the application of such compositions, wherein the compositions comprise salicylic acid or a salt thereof in combination with at 2 actives selected from the group consisting of lactic acid or a salt thereof; glycyrrhizinic acid or a salt or derivative thereof; bisabolol; cetylhydroxyproline palmitamide; allantoin; niacinamide; and epilobium angustifolium extract.

Abstract: A split cycle reciprocating piston engine includes a compression cylinder (2) accommodating a compression piston (4) and an expansion cylinder (12) accommodating an expansion piston (14). The compression cylinder (2) has an inlet port (30) for the admission of air and an outlet port (36) which communicates with a first path of a heat exchanger (5). The expansion cylinder (12) has an inlet port (52), which communicates with the first path of the heat exchanger (5), and an outlet port (56), which communicates with a second path of the heat exchanger (5) in heat exchange relationship with the first path. The method of operating the engine includes injecting a liquefied, non-oxidising, non-combustible gas, such as nitrogen, into the compression cylinder (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields of proteins, diagnostics, therapeutics and nutrition. More particularly, the present invention provides an isolated protein molecule that comprises a dimeric 4-helix bundle, such as IFN-a2B, IFN-b1, IFN-g, IL-10 or its receptor, such as IFNAR2, IL-10Ra or chimeric molecules thereof comprising at least a portion of the protein molecule, such as IFN-a2B-Fc, IFN-b1-Fc, IFN-g-Fc, IFNAR2-Fc, IL-IO-Fc, IL-10Ra-Fc; wherein the protein or chimeric molecule thereof has a profile of measurable physiochemical parameters, wherein the profile is indicative of, associated with or forms the basis of one or more pharmacological traits. The present invention further contemplates the use of the isolated protein or chimeric molecule thereof in a range of diagnostic, prophylactic, therapeutic, nutritional and/or research applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields of proteins, diagnostics, therapeutics and nutrition. More particularly, the present invention provides an isolated protein molecule in or related to the IL-6 protein family such as G-CSF, IL-11, IL-6, LIF or chimeric molecules thereof, comprising at least a portion of the protein molecule; wherein the protein or chimeric molecule thereof has a profile of measurable physiochemical parameters, wherein the profile is indicative of, associated with or forms the basis of one or more pharmacological traits. The present invention further contemplates the use of the isolated protein or chimeric molecule thereof in a range of diagnostic, prophylactic, therapeutic, nutritional and/or research applications.

Abstract: A surfactant composition contains at least one sorbitan ester and at least one sorbitol ester wherein the mean number of carbon atoms of the hydrophobe of the sorbitan ester is greater than that of the sorbitol ester. The surfactant composition is particularly suitable for use in stabilising emulsions, especially personal care or cosmetic products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of diagnosis of vCJD in a diagnostic sample of a valid body tissue taken from a human subject, which comprises detecting an increased concentration of a protein in the diagnostic sample, compared with a sample of a control human subject, the protein being: beta-actin (SwissProt Ace. No. P60709), apolipoprotein A-IV precursor (SwissProt Acc. No. P06727); haptoglobin beta-chain consisting of residues 162-406 (SwissProt Acc. No. P00738); haemoglobin beta chain (SwissProt Ace. No. P02023); or alpha-1-antitrypsin (SwissProt Ace. No. P01009); or a decreased concentration of a protein in the diagnostic sample, compared with a sample of a control, normal human subject, the protein being plasma protease (C1) inhibitor precursor (SwissProt Acc. No. P05155); complement component 1, s sub-component (SwissProt Acc. No. P09871); butyrylcholinesterase precursor (SwissProt Acc. No. P06276); complement component C4B (SwissProt Acc. No. P01028); lumican (SwissProt Ace. No.

Abstract: The present invention provides purified disease detection and treatment molecule polynucleotides (mddt). Also encompassed are the polypeptides (MDDT) encoded by mddt. The invention also provides for the use of mddt, or complements, oligonucleotides, or fragments thereof in diagnostic assays. The invention further provides for vectors and host cells containing mddt for the expression of MDDT. The invention additionally provides for the use of isolated and purified MDDT to induce anitbodies and to screen libraries of compounds and the use of anti-MDDT antibodies in diagnostic assays. Also provided are microarrays containing mddt and methods of use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device and method for use in transcutaneous surgical procedures, such as transcutaneous catheterization and surgical biopsy.To provide that the operative parts of instrumentation to be introduced into the patient's body are shielded from contact with the patient's skin, and thereby to inhibit transfer of micro-organisms from the skin into the body, there is provided a transcutaneous indwelling shield device for insertion into a skin aperture, comprising a transcutaneous distal portion providing an instrument access port, connecting to a proximal portion of shallow dished form of substantially greater dimension than said access port, the proximal portion tapering inwardly to said distal portion to readily guide the distal tip of the instrument to said access port.