Abstract: A method of determining the presence of isotopes in a sample, comprising (i) providing a sample beam containing the sample; (ii) causing the sample beam to travel back and forth along a single longitudinal axis; (iii) ionising the sample beam with one or more lasers, wherein ionising the sample beam comprises operating the one or more lasers at a plurality of frequencies; (iv) determining time of flight data of a first part of the sample beam relative to a second part of the sample beam; (v) determining an ionisation time using the time of flight data; (vi) obtaining data relating to the frequency of the one or more lasers at the ionisation time; and (vii) determining the presence of isotopes in the sample using the data relating to the frequency of the one or more lasers at the ionisation time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electron beam (eBeam) resist composition, particularly an (eBeam) resist composition for use in the fabrication of integrated circuits. Such resist compositions include an anti-scattering compound which minimises scattering and secondary electron generation, thus affording extremely high resolution lithography. Such high resolution lithography may be used directly upon silicon-based substrates to produce integrated circuits, or may alternatively be used to produce a lithographic mask (e.g. photomask) to facilitate high-resolution lithography.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resist composition, especially for use in the production of electronic components via electron beam lithography. In addition to the usual base polymeric component (resist polymer), a secondary electron generator is included in resist compositions of the invention in order to promote secondary electron generation. This unique combination of components increases the exposure sensitivity of resists in a controlled fashion which facilitates the effective production of high-resolution patterned substrates (and consequential electronic components), but at much higher write speeds.

Abstract: This invention relates to barrier materials comprising reduced graphene oxide, methods of making said materials and their uses. The reduced graphene oxide is preferably formed from the reduction of graphene oxide by HI, HBr or ascorbic acid.

Abstract: Inhibitor compounds are disclosed. The compounds are effective in the treatment of diseases or conditions in which interleukin 1 ? activity is implicated. Methods of synthesis of the compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of transferring a two-dimensional material such as graphene onto a target substrate for use in the fabrication of micro- and nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS and NEMS). The method includes providing the two-dimensional material in a first lower state of strain; and applying the two-dimensional material onto the target substrate whilst the two-dimensional material is under a second higher state of strain. A device comprising a strained two-dimensional material suspended over a cavity.

Abstract: Methods for the production in an electrochemical cell of graphene and graphite nanoplatelet structures having a thickness of less than 100 nm in a cell having a negative electrode which is graphitic and an electrolyte which consists of ions in a solvent, where the cations are sulfur-containing ions or phosphorus containing ions, wherein the method comprises the step of passing a current through the cell to intercalate ions into the graphitic negative electrode so as to exfoliate the graphitic negative electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ink formulation comprising two-dimensional inorganic layered particles. The ink formulations of the present invention are for inkjet printing. The present invention also relates to a process for the preparation of these ink formulations, to the use of these ink formulations for the production of printed films and tracks comprising the inorganic material, to the films or tracks produced by the inkjet printing of these ink formulations, to devices that comprise these films or tracks, and to systems comprising an array of these devices.

Abstract: A method for the production of 1T-transition metal dichalcogenide few-layer nanosheets and/or monolayer nanosheets comprising electrochemical intercalation of lithium ions into a negative electrode comprising a bulk 2H-transition metal dichalcogenide to provide an intercalated electrode, and an exfoliation step comprising contacting the intercalated electrode with a protic solvent to produce 1T-transition metal dichalcogenide few-layer nano sheets and/or monolayer nanosheets. An electrochemical capacitor comprising a composite electrode comprising 1T-MoS2 nanosheets and graphene, and a method of producing a composite electrode for use in an electrochemical capacitor.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device (100) for focusing visible light, the liquid crystal device (100) comprising a plurality of curved substrates (101,102) arranged to form one or more curved cavities (104) therebetween, each substrate being configured to provide a focal power, wherein the one or more curved cavities contain liquid crystal and form one or more liquid crystal elements. Each of the one or more liquid crystal elements are configured to provide a focal power, the focal power of each of the liquid crystal elements being dependent on the curvature of the respective cavity and a voltage applied across the liquid crystal contained within the respective cavity. The substrates (101,102) in combination with the one or more liquid crystal elements are arranged to provide a first focal power in a substantial absence of an applied voltage and a second focal power in response to an applied voltage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electron beam (eBeam) resist composition, particularly an (eBeam) resist composition for use in the fabrication of integrated circuits. Such resist compositions include an anti-scattering compound which minimises scattering and secondary electron generation, thus affording extremely high resolution lithography. Such high resolution lithography may be used directly upon silicon-based substrates to produce integrated circuits, or may alternatively be used to produce a lithographic mask (e.g. photomask) to facilitate high-resolution lithography.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for exfoliating inorganic layered compounds to form two-dimensional (2D) inorganic compounds. The exfoliation is carried out in aqueous media in the present of polycyclic aromatic compounds. The invention also relates to aqueous suspensions of two-dimensional compounds which arise from the exfoliation method. The invention further relates to methods of forming thin films of two-dimensional compounds from suspensions and to devices comprising thin films of two-dimensional (2D) inorganic compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the production in an electrochemical cell of one or more of graphene, graphite nanoplatelet structures having a thickness of less than 100 nm, and graphane, wherein the cell comprises: (a) a negative electrode which is graphitic; (b) a positive electrode which may be graphitic or another material; and (c) an electrolyte selected from (i) an ionic liquid; (ii) a deep eutectic solvent; and (iii) a solid ionic conductor, optionally further comprising (iv) one or more ionic species, wherein the amount of (i), (ii) or (iii) and (iv) is greater than 50 wt % based on the total weight of the electrolyte; and wherein the electrolyte includes a mixture of different cations; and wherein the method comprises the step of passing a current through the cell to intercalate ions into the graphitic negative electrode so as to exfoliate the graphitic negative electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peripheral nerve growth conduit for peripheral nerve repair, in particular conduits through which peripheral nerves can grow. The conduit includes poly-?-caprolactone (PCL). Preferably, the inner (luminal) surface of the conduit comprises pits having a depth of 1-4?m. Suitably, the conduit may also include poly-lactic acid (PLA). The inner surface of the conduit may have been treated with an alkaline composition. The present invention also provides a method for treating a peripheral nerve damage using a peripheral nerve growth conduit including poly-?-caprolactone (PCL). The present invention also provides a kit for treating a peripheral nerve damage having a peripheral nerve growth conduit including poly-?-caprolactone (PCL).

Abstract: A method for the production of graphene oxide and/or graphite oxide nanoplatelet structures having a thickness of less than 100 nm in an electrochemical cell, the cell comprising: (a) a positive electrode that is graphitic; (b) a negative electrode that may be graphitic or another material; (c) an electrolyte including: (i) organic anions in a solvent; (ii) non-oxidant polyatomic anions in a solution; and/or (ii) polyatomic anions in a solvent wherein the electrolyte has a hydrogen ion concentration of <1×10?1 mol dm?3; wherein the method comprises the step of passing a current through the cell to intercalate the anions into the graphitic positive electrode so as to exfoliate the graphitic positive electrode.

Abstract: A method for the production of functionalised graphene and/or functionalised graphite nanoplatelet structures having a thickness of less than 100 nm in an electrochemical cell from graphite using a diazonium (R—N2+) species. The graphite is exfoliated and contemporaneously functionalised.

Abstract: A method of selecting data, the method comprising, receiving data indicating a first requirement and identifying first records stored in a first database. The first records relate to first data subjects and the identification is based upon the first requirement. The first data subjects cannot be identified from the records of the first database. Second records are identified, the second records being stored in a second database and relating to the first data subjects. The first data subjects can be identified from the identified records of the second database. Each of the second records corresponds to a respective one of the first records, and the identification of the second records is based upon the first requirement.

Abstract: A plasmonic structure (10) comprising a layer of metal (14) in which the metal is selected from: a Group 8 to Group 11 transition metal, aluminum, germanium, antimony or bismuth, and a barrier layer (16) formed from a 2-D material disposed on a surface of the layer of metal (14). The metal layer has a roughness that permits the propagation of running plasmons along the interface of the metal layer and the barrier layer.

Abstract: Provided are genetically engineered microorganism that catalyze the synthesis of propane and/or butanol from a suitable substrate such as glucose. Also provided are methods of engineering said genetically engineered microorganism and methods of producing propane and/or butanol using the genetically engineered microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transfer chute (100) for granular material, comprising a chute body defining a flow pathway (120) for granular material, a raised portion (110) having an inclined surface (111), and a splitter member (130) arranged proximal to the raised portion (110) for, in use, dividing a flow of granular material over the raised portion into first portion in first conduit (100) and a second portion in a second conduit (300). In some embodiments, a channel (150) is disposed between the first and second conduits (100; 300) to transpose a vertical arrangement of first and second portions of granular material within the chute (10). In this way, separation by particle size or density in the flow may be reversed.