Abstract: The present invention relates to sensitive SE(R)RS based methods for detecting analytes such as explosives and drugs, which may be present in a sample at extremely low levels. The methods may be generally carried out in situ employing novel chemistry which is compatible with flow-cell technology and with time-scales and concentrations required for rapid and informative screening of large numbers of samples. The present invention also relates to novel compounds e.g. synthons and apparatus for use with the methods disclosed.

Abstract: A substrate is provided having a biomolecule immobilised thereon, wherein the biomolecule is connected via an enzyme-cleavable link to a blocking moiety such that cleavage of the link causes removal of the blocking moiety and activation of the biomolecule.

Abstract: There is provided an oligopeptide compound comprising: (a) at least one nitrogen-containing basic group attached to at least one end of the oligopeptide; and (b) two or more heterocyclic monomers, at least one of which is substituted in the heterocyclic part by a branched, cyclic or part cyclic C3-5 alkyl group, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof; which compound, salt or solvate binds to the minor groove of DNA.

Abstract: There is provided compounds of formula (I), wherein R1, R11, R12, Qa, X, Qb, Qc, A and D have meanings given in the description, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, which compound, salt or solvate binds to the minor groove of DNA.

Abstract: An array of light emitting devices, each device comprising a sloped wall mesa (24) of luminescent semiconductor material. Extending over the sloped wall mesas (24) is a metal contact (30). The array can be arranged as a parallel addressable system so that all devices (24) can be stimulated to emit light simultaneously. Alternatively, the array can be arranged as a matrix addressable array, in which case individual devices can be selectively stimulated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a communications environment comprising a digital marketplace arrangement which enables user to have dynamic access to a variety of network operators and service operators which are registered with the marketplace. The users can communicate with the digital marketplace via a logical market channel enabling user, service providers and network operators to interact in real time and negotiate for appropriate communication links and quality of service. Each communications environment may comprise more than one digital marketplace.

Abstract: A method of growing semiconductor materials in the Indium, Aluminium, Gallium Nitride (InAlGaN) material system and to devices made therefrom, in particular optical devices in the ultraviolet to green region of the visible spectrum. Certain optical devices, for example Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSELs) require great precision in the thickness of certain semiconductor layers. One aspect of the present invention provides a gallium-rich group III nitride layer (200, 201) and an adjacent layer of AlxInyGa1-x-yN layer (202). The AlxInyGa1-x-yN layer (202) acts as a fabrication facilitation layer and is selected to provide a good lattice match and high refractive index contrast with the gallium-rich group III nitride layer (200, 201). The high refractive index contrast permits in-situ optical monitoring. The extra layer (202) can be used as an etch marker or etch stop layer in subsequent processing and may be used in a lift-off process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peptide derivative represented by the general formula (I) or a salt thereof: Z-(CH2)n—CO—NH-Leu-Ile-Gly-AA1-AA2-CO—R (I) wherein Z represents an aryl group which may or may not have a substituent or a heteroaryl group which may or may not have a substituent; n represents 0, 1 or 2: AA1-AA2 represents Lys-Val or Arg-Leu; and R represents —OH or —NH2, and relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a peptide derivative represented by the general formula (I) or a salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier thereof. The peptide derivative is useful as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent of dysfunction of masticatory, dysphagia, dysgeusia, ozostomia, intra-oral cavity dysphoria, intra-oral cavity infections, intra-oral cavity inflammations, dry eye, ectocornea detachment, keratitis, corneal ulcer, conjunctivitis, stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer, gastritis, diarrhea, enteritis or Sjogren's syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for immobilization and optional stabilization of viruses whilst retaining the viral biological activity and the use of immobilized virus in therapy. In particular, the immobilized virus relates to immobilized bacteriophage and their use as an antibiotic or bacteriostatic agent and in the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections.

Abstract: A system for measuring simultaneously both temperature and ac voltage and/or ac current, the system comprising: a piezo-electric sensor; and optical fiber that includes an optical strain sensor being in contact with the piezo-electric sensor and able to expand or contract therewith and an analyzer for analyzing an optical output of the fiber and strain sensor in response to an optical input, the analyzer being operable to use the optical output to determine the temperature and the ac voltage and/or ac current.

Abstract: A method for inactivating medically important Gram-positive bacteria including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Coagulase-Negative Staphylococcus (CONS), Streptococcus, Enterococcus and Clostridium species, comprising exposure to visible light, and in particular light within the wavelength range 400-500 nm.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to micron or sub-micron particles comprising one or more water-soluble crystals wherein the crystals have a surface coating comprising one or more bioactive molecules as well as efficient methods of forming such particles and rapid methods for screening preferred conditions to form such particles. The particles are suitable for pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds that modulate the shikimate pathway and/or a pathway branching from the shikimate pathway in members of the Amoebida Order. In particular these compounds may be useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases caused or contributed to by members of the Amoebida Order.

Abstract: A system for measuring simultaneously both temperature and ac voltage and/or ac current, the system comprising: a piezo-electric sensor; and optical fiber that includes an optical strain sensor being in contact with the piezo-electric sensor and able to expand or contract therewith and an analyzer for analyzing an optical output of the fiber and strain sensor in response to an optical input, the analyzer being operable to use the optical output to determine the temperature and the ac voltage and/or ac current.

Abstract: A bistable liquid crystal device having liquid crystal molecules in one or more cavities, at least one liquid crystal region of high distortion being formed in each cavity, these region(s) being switchable between bistable states on application of an electric field. Each cavity may have a polygon cross-section such as a square cross-section.

Abstract: A chromatographic medium including thioether ligands bound to a cross-linked polymer matrix. The polymer is an organic polymer and the medium is hydrophilic. A method of manufacturing the media is also described. The media are useful in the chromatographic separation of components from solution, and in particular for the interseparation of platinum group metals.

Abstract: A vertical-cavity device comprises: (a) a chip comprising an active semiconductor layer for providing optical gain; (b) a first mirror arranged on a first side of the active layer; (c) a second mirror arranged on a second side of the active layer, opposite to the first mirror, and forming with at least the first mirror an optically resonant cavity that passes through the active layer in a direction out of the plane of the active layer; (d) a heatspreader for removing heat from the active layer, the heatspreader being arranged inside the cavity and having a first surface adjacent to the chip and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the heatspreader being transparent to light of wavelengths in an operating bandwidth of the device. In addition to removing heat from the active layer, the heatspreader also has one or more further selected property that has a further selected effect on light output from the device.

Abstract: Material is removed from a body of material, e.g. to create a bore hole, by plasma channel drilling. High voltage, high energy, rapid rise time electrical pulses are delivered many times per second to an electrode assembly in contact with the material body to generate therein elongate plasma channels which expand rapidly following electrical breakdown of the material causing the material to fracture and fragment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a telecommunications service provision manager that is configured to allow access to a plurality of telecommunications services to determine the location of a service and control execution of that service.

Abstract: There is provided an oligopeptide compound comprising: (a) at least one nitrogen-containing basic group attached to at least one end of the oligopeptide; and (b) two or more heterocyclic monomers, at least one of which is substituted in the heterocyclic part by a branched, cyclic or part cyclic C3-5 alkyl group, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof; which compound, salt or solvate binds to the minor groove of DNA.