Abstract: The present invention relates to photocatalytic materials for use in the conversion of CO2 to non-CO2 carbon containing products. The photocatalytic materials comprise a metal nanofiber and a carbon-based nanostructure bound to the surface of the metal nanofiber. Methods for preparing such materials are described, as well as their use in the conversion of CO2 to non-CO2 carbon containing products. For example, the photocatalytic materials of the invention may be used to convert CO2 to methanol and/or ethanol with high conversion rates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monolithic bodies, uses thereof and processes for the preparation thereof. Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to the use of a monolithic body in the preparation of a radioactive substance, for example a radiopharmaceutical, as part of a microfluidic flow system and a process for the preparation of such a monolithic body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a delivery matrix comprising a carbohydrate derivative and at least one semiochemical for trapping and/or attracting and/or deterring at least one aquatic organism. The present invention provides a method for trapping and/or attracting a crustacean, said method comprising delivering an effective amount of specific semiochemicals.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to microfluidic devices and systems comprising such devices for use in the determination of sample characteristics. Certain embodiments relate to methods for determining one or more characteristics of a sample comprising a compound for in vivo use. Aptly, certain embodiments of the present invention relate to devices and methods for assessing radiopharmaceuticals and their suitability for administration to a patient in need thereof.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and a method for producing a radiopharmaceutical, wherein the system is formed from and/or provides a microfluidic flow system. In certain embodiments, the system comprises a radioisotope isolation module, a radiopharmaceutical production module, a purification module and a quality control module.

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: 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 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 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: 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 pharmaceutical or dietetic dosage form comprising of effective quantity of an active substance chemically or physically bound to a support comprising sporopollenin, or other similar exine coating of spores, of a plant or fungus, optionally with further excipients.

Abstract: A carboxylic acid molecule (R COOH) is subjected to an electric field in a micro-reactor. The molecule decarboxyles to form a radical (R•). Two radicals (R•) can dimerise to form the product (R—R). It is believed that the reaction occurs away from the electrodes used to apply the electric field (but may also occur at the electrode surfaces).

Abstract: There is provided a process for forming a light emitting polymer comprising photopolymerization of a reactive mesogen having an endgroup which is susceptible to photopolymerization e.g. by a radical polymerization process. Also provided are methods for using the light emitter in displays, backlights, electronic apparatus and security viewers.