Abstract: An optical detector comprises a plurality of pixels, each pixel comprising a photodiode operable to detect light incident on that pixel and to generate a signal indicative of an intensity of that light. The plurality of pixels comprises a plurality of pixel pairs, and for each pixel pair, in a configuration mode, the detector is arranged to compare the signal generated by a first pixel of the pair with the signal generated by a second pixel of the pair. A method of optical detection is also described, as is a system incorporating the described optical detector.

Abstract: Anti-angiogenic treatments, treatments of hyperpermeability disorders, treatments of neuropathic and neurodegenerative disorders, pain treatments, methods of reducing the risk of pre-eclampsia and compounds for use in such methods are described.

Abstract: A composition for influencing carnitine retention in biological tissue is disclosed. The composition comprises a carnitine substance and an agent to increase sodium potassium ATPase pump activity in the tissue, and/or to increase the activity of a carnitine transport protein, and/or increase blood/plasma insulin concentration.

Abstract: This invention relates to transduction of cargo molecules into living cells, such as protein transduction, in particular a delivery molecule for transduction of a cargo into a cell comprising: a cargo-binding molecule and/or a cargo; a glycosaminoglycan (GAG) binding element, which is capable of binding to GAG on the surface of the cell; and a protein transduction domain. Methods of transduction, methods of producing or modifying cargo for transduction, delivery molecules for transduction and methods of treatment using transduction, or using transduced cells are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal organic framework comprising of a metal ion (M) and an organic ligand wherein more than one hydroxy ligand are present about the metal ion. Also provided is a method for synthesizing the metal-organic frameworks and their application in areas including scrubbing exhaust gas streams of acidic gases, scrubbing natural gas of acidic gases by separation or sequestration and separating C2Ha or other VOC gases from other gas mixtures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing functionalised monomers, the method comprising: a) providing a starting material selected from terpenes and terpenoids; b) forming a derivative of the starting material by incorporation of a hydroxyl group; c) esterifying the hydroxyl group of the derivative to introduce a moiety containing a vinyl group, so as to produce a functionalised monomer. The functionalised monomer can be polymerised to obtain a bio-derived polymer.

Abstract: A method for testing for target Mycobacteria in a reaction mixture comprising the steps of: providing a reaction mixture; admixing a bacteriophage with the reaction mixture under conditions suitable to allow the bacteriophage to infect any target Mycobacteria present in the reaction mixture; allowing time for the bacteriophage to lyse infected live target Mycobacteria; and analysing in said reaction mixture DNA from the lysed Mycobacteria to identify a signature DNA sequence that occurs in the target Mycobacteriumspedes.

Abstract: Surface plasmon microscopy methods are described which comprise irradiating a sample with a beam of electromagnetic radiation, wherein at least some of the radiation is incident on the sample at an angle or angles which results in the excitation of surface plasmons in the sample, and wherein the beam of radiation comprises a longitudinal axis passing through a focus of the beam. Both radiation reradiated from the sample by one or more surface plasmons and radiation reflected from a location on the sample which does not lie on the longitudinal axis passing through the focusare received at a detector. The received reradiated radiation is then interfered with the received reflected radiation to provide information about the sample. Apparatus for performing the methods is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treatment for cancer in a subject comprising the administration of a prodrug, wherein the subject is colonised with an obligate anaerobic microorganism capable of expressing a polypeptide having nitroreductase activity, wherein the polypeptide exhibits preferential reduction of CB1954 to a 4-hydroxylamine (4HX) derivative instead of a 2-hydroxylamine derivative; and is capable of reducing CB1954 to the 4HX derivative with a Km of less than 30 micromolar. The present invention further provides an isolated polypeptide, nucleic acids encoding said polypeptide, vectors and host cells comprising said nucleic acids and vectors and uses of the above in treating solid tumours.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising an alpha-adrenoceptor ligand for use in the treatment of benign anorectal conditions, in particular haemorrhoids. In addition to an alpha-adrenoceptor ligand, the compositions of the inventions may additionally include a calcium channel activator. Compositions with guanfacine and S(?)BayK8644 are preferred.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to measurement and classification of tissue structures in samples using a combination of light imaging and spectroscopy, in particular although not necessarily exclusively for detection of tumours such as basal cell carcinoma or breast tumours in tissue samples. Embodiments disclosed include a method of automatically identifying tissue structures in a sample, the method comprising the steps of: measuring (1702, 1703) a response of an area of the sample to illumination with light; identifying (1704) regions within the area having a measured response within a predetermined range; determining (1705) locations within the identified regions; performing (1706) spectroscopic analysis of the sample at the determined locations; and identifying (1707) a tissue structure for each region from the spectroscopic analysis performed on one or more locations therein.

Abstract: A mixing reactor (1), the reactor comprising a body (2) having a first inlet (3), a second inlet (5) and an outlet (4), in which there is an inner passage (6) through the body (2) from the first inlet (3) at a first end (12) of the body (2) to the outlet (4) at a second end of the body (2) along a length of the body (2), the inner passage (6) having a side wall (17) along the length, and an outer passage (7) closer to a surface (14) of the body (2) than the inner passage (6), the outer passage (7) running from the second inlet (5) at the second end, travelling through the body (2) along the length and meeting the inner passage (6) at a junction (11) at the first end, the outer passage (7) joining the inner passage (6) through the side wall (17) at the junction (11). Such a mixing reactor can be used for producing particles such as nanoparticles or Metal-Organic frameworks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preserved amniotic membrane, in particular a vacuum-dried amniotic membrane. It also relates to uses of vacuum-dried amniotic membrane and methods for making a vacuum-dried amniotic membrane. A method of processing an amniotic membrane to provide a vacuum-dried amniotic membrane,comprising the step of vacuum-drying the amniotic membrane Amniotic membrane (AM) is the inner most extraembryonic membrane that surrounds the foetus in a sac of amniotic fluid, functioning as a protective barrier to ascending infection and trauma during pregnancy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of analysing the components of a flavour sample comprising the steps of a) preparing a composition comprising a number (n) of aroma compounds to form a replica of a flavour; b) preparing a further composition comprising the same aroma and/or taste compounds with one of the components being reduced in amount by from 5 to 95% compared to the amount in the first composition; and c) comparing the aroma and/or taste of the first and second compositions.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and/or characterising biological or chemical material arranged on a substrate comprises: • producing a first image of the biological or chemical material using total internal reflection microscopy (TIRM); and • producing a second image of the biological or chemical material using transmitted or reflected light microscopy.

Abstract: Surface plasmon microscopy methods are described which comprise irradiating a sample with a beam of electromagnetic radiation, wherein at least some of the radiation is incident on the sample at an angle or angles which results in the excitation of surface plasmons in the sample, and wherein the beam of radiation comprises a longitudinal axis passing through a focus of the beam. Both radiation reradiated from the sample by one or more surface plasmons and radiation reflected from a location on the sample which does not lie on the longitudinal axis passing through the focusare received at a detector. The received reradiated radiation is then interfered with the received reflected radiation to provide information about the sample. Apparatus for performing the methods is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a charge storage device, comprising a pair of electrodes, each electrode being operable to store electric charge and having a respective capacitance CP, CN that is different to the other, with the ratio of the capacitances CP/CN being greater than 1. In exemplary embodiments, the charge storage device may be an asymmetrical supercapacitor, which is operable to provide an enhanced energy capacity by increasing the cell voltage through unequalising the electrode capacitance. Hence, by increasing the CP/CN ratio an improved power capability can be achieved over conventional devices, while offering a simple and low cost manufacturing strategy. The present invention has particular application with cameras, electric vehicles, elevators, renewable energy stores, fuel cells, batteries and many forms of electronic devices.

Abstract: An abrasive element comprises a body of crystalline abrasive material. The body has an array of cutting elements formed of crystalline abrasive material which projects from a surface of the body. The shape, size and form of the projections is controlled in the production process. The body may be a natural or synthetic crystal. The body may be a film formed by deposition. The body may be diamond or cubic boron nitride. The body may be monocrystalline or polycrystalline. The projections may be aligned along a crystallographic plane or planes.

Abstract: The invention provides polymer particles that are obtainable by a method selected from emulsion methods, diffusion methods and evaporation methods carried out in the presence of surface-engineering surfactant which is one or more polymer that displays a lower critical solution temperature, in aqueous media, that is between 10 to 90° C., this polymer being the polymerization product of one or more monomer selected from polymerisable alkyleneglycol acrylate monomers and polymerisable alkyleneglycol methacrylate monomers. The polymer particles can be used in controlled release applications, such as flavour release applications, fragrance release applications and biomedical applications. The invention also provides a cell support matrix comprising the polymer particles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composite comprising carbon nanotubes coated with a polymer, wherein the polymer comprises at least one hydrophobic monomer unit. This invention also relates to a process for the production of a composite comprising a polymer and carbon nanotubes.