Abstract: Compositions of reagents are formed by forming empty liposomes, mixing the thus-formed liposomes with a sugar solution and a regent, then drying the mixture. The compositions will generally contain less than 10% w/v sucrose. Using this procedure small liposomes are formed with high entrapment efficiency. The process is useful in the production of pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: A steel (known as super bainite steel) containing between 90% and 50% bainite, the rest being austenite, in which excess carbon remains within the bainitic ferrite at a concentration beyond that consistent with equilibrium; there is also partial partitioning of carbon into the residual austenite. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the steel contains in weight percent: carbon 0.6 to 1.1%, silicon 1.5 to 2.0%, manganese 0.5 to 1.8, nickel up to 3%, chromium 1.0 to 1.5, molybdenum 0.2 to 0.5%, vanadium 0.1 to 0.2%, balance iron save for incidental impurities. Excellent properties are obtained if the manganese content is about 1% by weight.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for selectively delivering one or more liquid reagents into a reaction or test chamber (2), especially of an assay apparatus, the apparatus comprising: one or more respective storage chambers (5,6) for containing the one or more liquid reagents and arranged generally above the reaction or test chamber (2); and a plunger element (4) arranged and operable for insertion into the mouth of a selected storage chamber so as to displace a selected reagent from therewithin into the reaction or test chamber (2) generally therebelow by gravitational liquid overflow from the mouth of the chamber. The apparatus may conveniently be provided as a discrete delivery unit, with the storage chambers (5,6) pretilled with the selected reagents.

Abstract: A lens arrangement suitable for looking through small holes is provided in which no conventional integral physical lens stop is required. The lens arrangement is relatively insensitive to its position, meaning that it may be set back behind the hole reducing the risk of detection and allowing rapid installation.

Abstract: A method for depositing a polymeric material onto a substrate, said method comprising introducing an organic monomeric material in a gaseous state into a plasma deposition chamber, igniting a glow discharge within said chamber, and applying a high frequency voltage as a pulsed field, at a power of from 0.001 to 500 w/m3 for a sufficient period of time to allow a polymeric layer to form on the surface of the substrate. The method is particularly suitable for producing oil and water repellent coatings, in particular where the monomeric material contains haloalkyl compounds. Apparatus particularly adapted to carry out the method of the invention is also described and claimed.

Abstract: A viewing apparatus comprises one or more optical elements, which may be moved in order to redirect light entering the viewing apparatus such that a subject in any part of the field of view may be relocated to the center of the viewed image without moving the viewing apparatus itself. The viewing apparatus further comprises a relay lens group which conditions the light into a quasi-collimated state before it enters the optical elements allowing a more compact device to be produced. The viewing apparatus may additionally include a zoom lens mechanism to enable the viewed image to be enlarged.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method to produce a modulation signal comprising combining at least two modulation signals, for example, BOCs or derivatives thereof, having portions (chip or a number of chips) thereof with respective relative phases or states ({++, ??} and {+?, ?+}) selected such that the average of a plurality of said portions at least reduces cross spectral terms of the composite complex spectrum of said at least two modulation signals.

Abstract: Self-calibrating apparatus and methods for dilution of an analyte-containing fluid, and in particular for dilution of analyte concentrations beyond the normal measurement range of a detector, without the requirement for other detectors. The apparatus is preferably a respirator test system for determining respirator mask fit in the presence of high aerosol challenge concentrations.

Abstract: A method of obtaining data for use by a receiver of a satellite positioning system or a GNSS comprises deriving the data remotely from the receiver by a server (200), using meteorological information and a regional or global three dimensional map of grid points from which it computes tropospherical delays by ray tracing through the refractivity field derived from atmospheric measurements of pressure, temperature and water data content, such measurements being available from meteorological bodies. When used to enhance position determined by a user receiver that includes a non-meteorological, climate based model (130) giving zenith delays and means (130?) to map them to particular inclinations, the server also includes a copy of such non-meteorological model (230) and provides its ray traced delay values as zenith delays.

Abstract: A method of carrying out an amplification reaction, said method comprising supplying to a well in a disposable unit (a) a sample which contains or is suspected of containing a target nucleic acid sequence (b) primers, nucleotides and enzymes required to effect said amplification reaction and (c) a buffer system, and subjecting the unit to thermal cycling conditions such that any target nucleic acid present within the sample is amplified; wherein the disposable unit comprises a thermally conducting layer and a facing layer having one or more reagent wells of up to 1000 microns in depth defined therebetween; and the reaction mixture comprises at least one of the following: A) a buffer system wherein the pH is above 8.3; B) a detergent; and/or C) a blocking agent. Apparatus for effecting the method as well as disposable units for use in the method are described. The method is particularly suitable for rapid PCR reactions.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the presence of a target bacteria based on its resistance to a cell lysing antibiotic. Said antibiotic is used to lyse cells of non-target bacteria in a sample and hence facilitate isolation of the target prior to detection by known means.

Abstract: Apparatus for microbial disruption, comprises a cylindrical transducer having a beat conducting, solid transmission layer disposed along at least a part of the inner longitudinal surface thereof, said transmission layer or said transducer and transmission layer defining a channel for receipt of a liquid sample, and means capable of delivering an alternating potential to said transducer at a frequency and voltage exciting resonance and inducing cavitation in said liquid sample.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for carrying out a thermal cycling reaction, wherein a succession of samples is conveyed through a series of sequentially arranged temperature control sites, each of the sites comprising means for supplying an electric current to, or inducing an electric current in, sample-containing vessels passing through it so as to induce temperature changes in the samples. Also provided is a sample support and its production, the support comprising a succession of sample vessels arranged sequentially one behind the next, preferably in the form of a linked chain, the support comprising an electrically conducting, preferably plastics, material which heats when an electric current passes through it.

Abstract: The invention provides use of a polymer composition comprising polyethylenimine and one or both of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl alcohol co-ethylene for protection against harmful and/or noxious agents. The invention further provides a laminate suitable for providing protection against harmful and/or noxious agents, the laminate comprising a layer of a polymer composition comprising polyethylenimine and one or both of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl alcohol co-ethylene is also disclosed.

Abstract: A photomultiplier tube circuit with reduced power consumption comprising a photomultiplier tube having a plurality of dynodes, charging circuitry for providing charge to the plurality of dynodes and an oscillator for providing a high voltage supply to the charging circuitry characterised in that the photomultiplier tube circuit further comprises means for sampling the voltage of at least one of the dynodes and a switching means for switching the oscillator on and off with respect to the at least one dynode voltage sampled.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a live population uses a unit as a local data collection device to derive data on the physical condition of a population member. The unit has a local processor for correlating and storing the physical condition data relative to time and a mechanism for transferring the stored data from the local processor to a remote data collection device. The remote data collection device also receives data relating to the location of the population member relative to time, and analyzes the physical condition and location data for unusual events, providing a signal on the occurrence of an unusual event. The physical condition may be derived from a sensor, which is a non-invasive sensor for measuring pulse rate, temperature and oxygen levels. The location data is provided from a locator incorporated in the unit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for carrying out a thermal cycling reaction, wherein a succession of samples is conveyed through a series of sequentially arranged temperature control sites, each of the sites comprising means for supplying an electric current to, or inducing an electric current in, sample-containing vessels passing through it so as to induce temperature changes in the samples. Also provided is a sample support and its production, the support comprising a succession of sample vessels arranged sequentially one behind the next, preferably in the form of a linked chain, the support comprising an electrically conducting, preferably plastics, material which beats when an electric current passes through it.

Abstract: A method of coating a surface with a polymer layer, which method comprises exposing said surface to a plasma comprising a monomeric unsaturated organic compound which comprises a chain of carbon atoms, which are optionally substituted by halogen; provided that where the compound is a perhalogenated alkene, it has a chain of at least 5 carbon atoms; so as to form an oil or water repellent coating on said substrate.