Abstract: A tunable laser device (1) comprises integrally formed first and second ridge waveguides (5, 6). A longitudinally extending ridge (12) defines first and second light guiding regions (19, 20) of the first and second waveguides (5, 6) A plurality of first and second slots (27, 28) extending laterally in the ridge (12) adjacent the first and second waveguides (5, 6), produce first and second mirror loss spectra of the respective first and second waveguides (5, 6) with minimum peak values at respective first and second wavelength values. The spacing between the second slots (28) is different to that between the first slots (27) so that with one exception the minimum peak values of the first and second mirror loss spectrum occur at different wavelength values. The first and second waveguides (5, 6) are independently pumped with variable currents to selectively vary the common wavelength at which the minimum peak values of the first and second mirror loss spectra occur to produce Vernier tuning of the device.

Abstract: A junctionless metal-oxide-semiconductor transistor is described. In one aspect, a transistor device comprises a semiconductor material. The semiconductor material comprises first, second, and third portions. The second portion is located between the first and third portions. The first, second, and third portions are doped with dopants of the same polarity and the same concentration. The transistor device further comprises an electrode connected to the second portion. A current flows between the first and third portions when a voltage is applied to the electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining magnetic properties of materials comprises a portable probe (1), an equipment trolley (2) holding cryogenics and electronics and connecting cables (3). The probe (1) comprises a drive coil (4) and a correction coil (5), the drive coil (4) being disposed symmetrically with respect to an inner second-order gradiometer sensor coil (8). Electrical connectors in the form of 2-meter long Belden (1192A) microphone cables (3) are used to connect the apparatus on the equipment trolley (2) to the drive coil (4), the correction coil (5) and the sensor coil (8). The drive coil (4) is driven so as to generate a sinusoidally varying magnetic field. The electronics comprise a flux-locked loop (9), a SQUID controller (10), a data acquisition module (11), which captures and processes the signals and a computer (12). A liquid-nitrogen dewar (13) is supported on the equipment trolley (2) and houses a sensitive SQUID detector (14) and a transfer coil (15) made from copper.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article using stereolithography in which the article includes at least one feature that defines an isolated volume is described. The method includes the step of forming one or more removable structures within said isolated volume from cured resin during the stereolithography process. The removable structures restrict the flow of liquid resin within said isolated volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the preparation of efficient antigen-presenting human ?? T cells, to the ?? T cells prepared by such a method, and to their use in immunotherapy, vaccination, vaccine development and diagnostics. Similar to dendritic cells (DCs) in potency and efficacy, these human ?? T cells process antigens and present antigenic peptides to ?? T cells and induce antigen-specific responses (proliferation and differentiation) in naïve ?? T cells. ?? T cells are easily purified from peripheral blood, acquire “maturation” status (expression of essential adhesion, co-stimulatory and major histocompatibility complex molecules) within 1 day of in vitro culture under stimulation and induce strong primary and secondary T helper cell and cytotoxic T cell responses. The ?? T cells may be used in a method of treatment of tumors or chronic or recurrent infectious diseases, in identification of novel tumor or pathogen-derived antigens, and in the diagnosis of the immune competence of a patient.

Abstract: A method of installing a transcutaneous prosthesis which includes a first component, a second component adapted for location between the bone and the skin, the second component having a surface treatment for stimulation of fibroblastic cell proliferation and attachment of epithelial cells and a third component adapted for location to extend from the skin surface and the third component having an outer surface. The outer surface of the third component has a surface energy that is lower than a surface energy of at least the first component and which is low enough to deter bacterial adhesion. The method includes attaching the first component to a bone such that a transition from the second component to the third component is essentially at the surface of the skin and the third component extends from the skin surface when the first component is attached to a bone.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for determining the level of expression of one or more candidate objects of interest in a biological sample. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for determining the level of expression of one or more candidate objects of interest using image analysis. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and a system for determining the level of expression of one or more candidate objects of interest using an automated (computer-aided) image analysis system.

Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant multi-functional chimera of CVN and 12p1. Chimeras of CVN and 12p1 present a model for targeting gp120 at two discrete sites, by two different modes of inhibition and with increasing potency versus either component alone. A chimera of the invention combines the high affinity suppression of viral activity by CVN with the allosteric suppression of viral envelope binding to both CD4 and co-receptor by 12p1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pH sensor for use in a catheter drainage system. The invention also relates to a catheter, drainage bag or connection unit comprising the pH sensor of the present invention, methods of using the pH sensor and methods of making the pH sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating microbraided structures is provided. A microbraiding device includes first and second carrier members that are movable with respect to each other. Each carrier includes a plurality of shelters. Spool-less strands of microfiber are retained in shuttles that are movable between the first and second shelters under magnetic forces. The microbraid structure is fabricated as the shuttles move between the first shelters, and as the first carrier member moves relative to the second carrier member.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for stimulating pelvic floor muscles in a patient comprises applying at least one electrode externally to each side of the patient's body in the region of the pelvis, and energising the electrodes to apply a muscular stimulation current which flows laterally across the patient through the patient's pelvic floor. Preferably a plurality of electrodes are applied symmetrically on each side of the body. The electrodes may be incorporated in a garment.

Abstract: Provided are antimicrobial agents produced from Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) bacteria, in particular from bacteria which comprise a cluster of polyketide synthesis genes. Also provided is use of the antimicrobial agents in the treatment of disease. Further provided are methods for producing antimicrobials, methods for detecting antimicrobial producing bacterial strains and kits for use in the methods.

Abstract: A tissue joining device and a surgical instrument for employing the tissue joining device are provided. The tissue joining device may be designed such that a first member may be inserted into a second member in discrete increments so that two lumen structures can properly be combined.

Abstract: Provided herein is a suitable method for detecting the presence or absence of a cancer in an individual, by determining the level of methylation of the sense strand of a selected regulatory region of a tumor suppressor gene. Also provided herein is a method of detecting the presence or absence a cancer in an individual by determining if there is an apparent 100% methylation by assay of the CpG sites in the anti-sense strand of a selected regulatory region of a tumor suppressor gene. Also provided herein is a method of tissue typing by determining the level of methylation of the anti-sense strand of a selected regulatory region of a tumor suppressor gene indicating an enhanced likelihood that a tissue is liver.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for prion degradation, decontamination or disinfection. The composition comprises an oxidizing agent, one or more proteases and a surfactant such as an ionic surfactant/detergent. The method comprises contacting a prion contaminated entity with a prion-degrading composition comprising an effective amount of an oxidizing agent, an effective amount of at least one protease, and an effective amount of a surfactant. The components of the composition may be contacted with a prion-contaminated entity sequentially or simultaneously using an aqueous composition. Typically at least two different proteases are used for optimal efficacy. Preferably the oxidizing agent comprises peracetyl ions or a source thereof. The invention also relates to kits comprising the various reagents.

Abstract: Inventors have developed a chromophore (nitrodibenzylfuranyl, or NBDF) for ultra efficient uncaging of a caged substrate (e.g., an organic molecule such as, for example, an amino acid, a biological molecules, such as, for example, second messengers inside cells). Photolysis of a NBDF derivative of EGTA (i.e. caged calcium) is about 50 times more efficient than others calcium cages (the quantum yield of photolysis is 0.6 and the extinction coefficient is 18,400. NDBF-EGTA has a 2-photon cross section of about 0.3-0.6 GM).

Abstract: Speckle reduction apparatus includes a radiation path and a mask arranged within the radiation path. The mask includes an array of electrically controllable cells configured to form a pattern on the mask that varies with time. The speckle reduction mask includes a first linear array including first parallel lines arranged to change the phase of incident radiation, and a second linear array including second parallel lines arranged to change the phase of incident radiation and further arranged such that cells are formed at the intersections of the first parallel lines and the second parallel lines. The speckle reduction mask includes a N1×N2 array of cells, A, formed according to: ATA=??k,l, where AT is the transpose of A, ? is a real and positive constant, dk,l is Kronecker delta and N1?N2.

Abstract: Provided are methods of diagnosing and/or determining treatment of non-urinary tract cancers by detecting biomarkers, and aberrant methylation in said biomarkers, in human urine samples

Abstract: Disclosed are newborn infant formulas comprising fat, carbohydrate, and from 0.5 to 2.5 g of protein per 100 ml of formula, wherein the formula has a caloric density of from 25 to 50 kcal per 100 ml of formula. Also disclosed are methods of administering the infant formulas to provide newborns with optimal nutrition, to reduce the occurrence or extent of insulin resistance in an individual later in life, to reduce the occurrence or extent of atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease in an individual later in life, or combinations thereof, by feeding newborn infants the newborn infant formula described herein.

Abstract: Methods for treating a neoplastic disease in a mammalian subject are provided. The method provides administering an inhibitor of O-GlcNAc transferase in an amount effective to reduce or eliminate the neoplastic disease in the mammalian subject. Method for diagnosing a risk factor for a neoplastic disease in a mammalian subject and methods for identifying a test compound which inhibits a hexosamine signaling pathway in a cell or tissue are provided.