Abstract:
This invention relates generally to methods of treatment for Guillain-Barre' Syndrome (GBS) and, more specifically, to methods involving the inhibition of the classical pathway of complement activation. Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to methods of treating Guillain-Barre' syndrome (GBS) that include inhibiting the classical pathway of complement activation by neutralizing the complement factors C1q, C1r, or C1s, e.g., through the administration of antibodies, such as monoclonal, chimeric, humanized antibodies, antibody fragments, etc., which bind to one or more of these complement factors.
Abstract:
A polarisation control device having a polarisation converter in a first section of optical waveguide with a gradually varying asymmetrical cross-sectional (transverse) profile and an active phase shifter in a second section of optical waveguide whose birefringence is adjustable by a relative phase controller. The polarisation converter converts an orthogonal fundamental mode (TE or TM) into a hybridised signal present in the active phase shifter. The first and second sections of waveguide are joined to one another to form a single continuous waveguide, which can significantly reduce interfacial reflections. The invention teaches the introduction of a selectable degree of asymmetry to a section of planar optical waveguide after growth of that waveguide to form the polarisation converter. This feature enables the use of lower efficiency mode convertors to give far greater control over fabrication tolerances, leading to increased yield.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to condensers for use in condensing a working fluid in a thermal cycle apparatus prior to its re-entry into a working fluid line and onto a boiler, the condenser including a heat exchanger with a cold surface portion and a hot surface portion, the cold surface portion being disposed within a condensing chamber of the condenser, and the hot surface portion being deployed such that, in use, it transfers heat to condensed working fluid in a working fluid line prior to said condensed working fluid entering a boiler. It also covers thermal power stations and thermal cycles using such an apparatus, methods of improving thermal power stations and thermal cycles using such an apparatus. A temperature sink is also provided, which may be used in the condenser, other thermal power stations and thermal cycles using such an apparatus.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to phosphodiesterase 9A (PDE9A) for use as a marker for prostate cancer, and the use of PDE9A as a marker for diagnosing, detecting, monitoring or prognosticating prostate cancer or the progression of prostate cancer. The present invention also relates to a composition for diagnosing, detecting, monitoring or prognosticating prostate cancer or the progression of prostate cancer, a corresponding method and immunoassay, a method for diagnosing, monitoring or prognosticating hormone-resistant prostate cancer vs. hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, a corresponding immunoassay, a method of data acquisition, an immunoassay for diagnosing, detecting, monitoring or prognosticating prostate cancer or the progression of prostate cancer, a method of identifying an individual for eligibility for prostate cancer therapy, an immunoassay for stratifying an individual or cohort of individuals with a prostate cancer disease, an immunoassay for stratifying an individual with prostate cancer. The present invention further envisages pharmaceutical compositions and their use for the treatment of prostate cancer, in particular hormone-resistant prostate cancer.
Abstract:
A system and method for measuring mass flow of a non-gaseous phase (4) of material such as a solid particulate are described. The material flows through a conduit of which a section (14) is heated or cooled. One temperature sensor (6) is provided upstream of this section and at least another temperature sensor (7, 8) is provided downstream of it. These temperature sensors are adapted to measure the temperature of material in the non-gaseous phase directly. The section is heated or cooled for a first period of time and then neither heated nor cooled for a second period. A third temperature sensor (10) is provided in good thermal contact with the heated or cooled section - this temperature sensor. The temperature sensors measure the temperature of the non-gaseous phase of the material flowing the conduit in at least the second period of time. The mass flow of the non-gaseous phase of the material is calculated from the measurements of temperature.
Abstract:
Various uses of visible light interference patterns are provided. Suitable interference patterns are those formed by diffraction from patterns of apertures. Typical uses disclosed herein relate to spatial metrology, such as a translational and/or angular position determination system. Further uses include the analysis of properties of the light itself (such as the determination of the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation). Still further uses include the analysis of one or more properties (e.g. refractive index) of the matter through which the light passes. Part of the interference pattern is captured at a pixellated detector, such as a CCD chip, and the captured pattern compared with a calculated pattern. Very precise measurements of the spacing between maxima is possible, thus allowing very precise measurements of position of the detector in the interference pattern.
Abstract:
It is disclosed that the avß5 integrin mediates the proliferative signal provided by CD23 to pre-B cells. The region of CD23 which interacts with avß5 has been defined, and found to interact with a site on the integrin distinct from that which binds RGD. The invention provides methods for disrupting the interaction between CD23 and avß5 and methods of screening for chemical entities capable of disrupting this interaction.
Abstract:
This invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations comprising particles with a substantially non-hygroscopic inner crystalline core and an outer coating comprising at least one bioactive molecule. The invention also relates to methods of forming particles comprising a substantially non-hygroscopic inner crystalline core and an outer coating comprising at least one bioactive molecule.
Abstract:
This invention relates to the use of a phosphorylcholine-containing glycoprotein in the treatment or prophylaxis of diseases associated with inflammation. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of ES-62 for the treatment or prophylaxis of autoimmune diseases associated with abnormal inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Abstract:
There is disclosed an improved method of manufacturing optical devices (115a; 115b). A requirement for photonic Integrated Circuits is the realization of low-loss optical waveguides. Optical absorption by Fundamental Edge Absorption (FEA) can be reduced by using Quantum Well Intermixing (QWI) to widen the band-gap of passive waveguides. However, impurities and/or and structural defects responsible for (QWI) are all usually charged and have free electrons or holes associated with them, giving rise to optical absorption by Free-Carrier Absorption (FCA). Accordingly, the invention provides a method of manufacturing an optical device (115a; 115b), a device body portion (5a; 5b) from which the device (115a; l15b) is to be made including a Quantum Well (QW) structure (25a; 25b). )the method including the steps of: intermixing at least part of the Quantum well (QW) structure (25a; 25b); and passivating at least some dopants and/or point defects within at least a portion of the device body portion (5a; 5b). By "passivating" is meant neutralizing the electronic activity of the dopants.