Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting radioactivity. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to the detection of radioactivity in a target fluid in a fluid communication passageway using a region of scintillator material (130) to provide light responsive to the presence of radioactive material and at least one silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) (150) for providing an output signal responsive to the light provided by the scintillator material.

Abstract: A method of producing output indicative of the content of speech or mouthed speech from movement of speech articulators is described. The method may including fixing a plurality of magnets respectively to a plurality of speech articulators of a human individual. Providing a support. Providing a plurality of signal magnetic field sensors. Providing at least three reference magnetic field sensors orientated differently from one another with respect to the Earth's magnetic field. The signal and reference magnetic field sensors being fixed to the support which holds the sensors in fixed spatial relationships to one another. Producing, over a period of time, a respective signal from each signal magnetic field sensor and a respective signal from each reference magnetic field sensor. Obtaining, over the period of time, for each said signal magnetic field sensor signal, a respective correction value.

Abstract: The invention provides photopolymerisable or photocrosslinkable reactive mesogen for forming a hole-transporting or light emitting polymer network, said mesogen having the structure (III) wherein M is a chromophoric aromatic or heterocyclic moiety; A1 and A2 are carbazole groups substituted in the 3-position of the carbazole ring, and may be the same or different; S1 and S2 are spacers, and may be the same or different; B1 and B2 are polymerisable groups, and may be the same or different; and m and n are independently integers from 1 to 10.

Abstract: The invention provides a photopolymerisable or photocrosslinkable reactive mesogen for forming a charge transporting or light emitting polymer network, the mesogen having an asymmetric structure (II): B1-S1-A1-M-(A-S-B)n (II) wherein: A and A1 are chromophores; S and S1 are spacers; B and B1 are endgroups which are susceptible to photopolymerisation or photocrosslinking; M is a non-chromophoric aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic moiety; and n is an integer from 1 to 3; wherein, when the value of n is greater than 1, each of the groups A, S and B may be the same or different. Preferably, M is of the formula Y?Zm, wherein Y is an aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic or heterocyclic moiety, Z is an aliphatic linking group and m is an integer from 2 to 4, and wherein each of the Z groups may be the same or different.

Abstract: A tool for facilitating insertion of a speech valve with a flexible retention flange into a fistula between the trachea and the esophagus of a human patient. The tool has a wall curved to define a passage having opposed open first and second passage ends and an axis extending therebetween. The wall has an external surface insertable into a fistula between the trachea and esophagus and defining a slot which extends from the passage to the external surface of the wall. The slot has an opening at the first passage end extending from the first passage end to at least a part of the way to the second passage end and at least a portion of the slot progresses angularly around the axis.

Abstract: An integrated gel based microfluidic sample processing device, suitable for forensic investigations at the scene of a crime, including a substrate having a plurality of micro-channels to form at least a DNA extraction chamber in fluidic cooperation with an amplification chamber which in turn is in fluidic cooperation with a separation and detection channel. The micro-channels containing a DNA extraction material and gel based reaction reagents necessary for processing the sample. The device further having electrical contacts for coupling to an external power source and capable of inducing electro-kinetic manipulation of the gel based reagents and DNA extracted from the sample throughout the device.

Abstract: A whitened exine shell having a degree of whiteness (L*) of greater than 65 measured under D 65 illumination. The shell can be used as a delivery vehicle for an active substance, or as an antioxidant. It can be used in a method of surgery, therapy or diagnosis. The invention provides a formulation containing the whitened exine shell together with an active substance; and a method for preparing the shell by isolating an exine shell from a naturally occurring spore under treatment conditions which do not include aceto lysis, and treating the isolated shell or a precursor thereof with a bleaching composition.

Abstract: Topical formulation containing an active substance which is chemically or physically bound to, or encapsulated within, an exine shell of a naturally occurring spore. The active substance can be released from the exine shell on application to a living or non-living surface. The invention may be used to provide gradual release of an active substance over a period of time subsequent to application of the formulation to the surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to catheters, for example a catheter which is adapted such that the user is able to determine whether it has been correctly positioned within 5 the subject. Also included in the present disclosure are means for detecting the position of the catheter and combinations of a catheter and processors for determining the positioning of the catheter. The present disclosure also relates to methods of determining the position of a catheter in, for example, a human or animal body.

Abstract: The invention provides a photopolymerisable or photocrosslinkable reactive mesogen for forming a charge transporting or light emitting polymer network, the mesogen having an asymmetric structure (II): B1—S1-A1-M-(A-S—B)n (II) wherein: A and A1 are chromophores; S and S1 are spacers; B and B1 are endgroups which are susceptible to photopolymerisation or photocrosslinking; M is a non-chromophoric aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic moiety; and n is an integer from 1 to 3; wherein, when the value of n is greater than 1, each of the groups A, S and B may be the same or different. Preferably, M is of the formula Y—Zm, wherein Y is an aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic or heterocyclic moiety, Z is an aliphatic linking group and m is an integer from 2 to 4, and wherein each of the Z groups may be the same or different.

Abstract: A method of amplifying nucleic acid includes providing a microfluidic device having a space therein. The space is filled with a gel medium. Reagents for carrying out a PCR reaction are supported within the matrix of the gel medium within the space. A nucleic acid containing sample is brought into contact with the gel medium. The sample having whole cells or cell lysate without any prior separation of the nucleic acid from other components of the cells. PCR amplification of nucleic acid from the sample is performed in the space using the PCR reagents.

Abstract: A speech valve comprises a generally cylindrical body and a closure member which is slidably movable within the body between a closed position and an open position. The valve body and the closure member are formed of a rigid, smooth material which is resistant to the growth of biofilm such as a ceramic. A particular suitable ceramic is partially stabilised zirconia. The valve body is provided with an outer sleeve which is provided with radially outward extending annular flanges, which are used to retain the speech valve in a fistula between the oesophagus and the trachea.

Abstract: A tool for facilitating insertion of a speech valve with a flexible retention flange into a fistula between the trachea and the oesophagus of a human patient. The tool has a wall curved to define a passage having opposed open first and second passage ends and an axis extending therebetween. The wall has an external surface insertable into a fistula between the trachea and oesophagus and defining a slot which extends from the passage to the external surface of the wall. The slot has an opening at the first passage end extending from the first passage end to at least a part of the way to the second passage end and at least a portion of the slot progresses angularly around the axis.

Abstract: A compound of Formulae (1), (2) or (3), A1-Ph (1) or A1-Ar-A2 (2) or A1-(A2)A?-A3 (3) wherein A1, A2 and A3 are selected from Formulae 4, 5 and 6: or a salt whereof; wherein Ar is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-phenyl, 1,3-phenyl and 1,4-phenyl optionally substituted with one or more methyl groups; m and n are independently integers from 0 to 1; Ph is phenyl, optionally substituted with one or more methyl groups; Ar1 is trisubstituted phenyl optionally substituted with one or more phenyl groups; and R1, R2 and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, Me and linear chain C2-C4 alkyl.

Abstract: An integrated gel based microfluidic sample processing device, suitable for forensic investigations at the scene of a crime, including a substrate having a plurality of micro-channels to form at least a DNA extraction chamber in fluidic cooperation with an amplification chamber which in turn is in fluidic cooperation with a separation and detection channel. The micro-channels containing a DNA extraction material and gel based reaction reagents necessary for processing the sample. The device further having electrical contacts for coupling to an external power source and capable of inducing electro-kinetic manipulation of the gel based reagents and DNA extracted from the sample throughout the device.

Abstract: A formulation containing an active substance encapsulated within an exine shell of a naturally occurring spore, together with a protective additive which is also encapsulated within the exine shell.

Abstract: This invention provides the use of an exine shell of a naturally occurring spore, or a fragment thereof, as an antioxidant, for instance in a composition or formulation containing an active substance. Also provided is a method for reducing rancidity, or other oxidative degradation, of a substance, composition, or formulation, by encapsulating the substance, composition, or formulation in, or chemically binding it to, or mixing it with, an exine shell of a naturally occurring spore or a fragment thereof.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell is provided. The photovoltaic cell can be an interconnecting liquid crystalline polymer network. Reactive mesogens of the formula B-S-A-S-B wherein A is a chromophore, S is a spacer and B is an end group susceptible to polymerization are used in the manufacture of the interconnecting liquid crystalline polymer network.

Abstract: Crypthecodinium cohnii, or microorganisms derived from Crypthecodinium cohnii, are grown in a culture medium including propionic acid. The propionic acid increases the production of one or more of dry cell weight, total lipid and docosahexaenoic acid.

Abstract: A speech valve comprises a generally cylindrical body and a closure member which is slidably movable within the body between a closed position and an open position. The valve body and the closure member are formed of a rigid, smooth material which is resistant to the growth of biofilm such as a ceramic. A particular suitable ceramic is partially stabilised zirconia. The valve body is provided with an outer sleeve which is provided with radially outward extending annular flanges, which are used to retain the speech valve in a fistula between the oesophagus and the trachea.