Abstract: The invention relates to a system for detecting one or more analytes in a sample. The system comprises a probe for insertion into the sample, the probe having a first electrochemical sensor configured to detect a first analyte in the sample, and a second electrochemical sensor configured to detect a second analyte in the sample. A first potentiostat is connected to the first electrochemical sensor and configured to perform a first electrochemical measurement with the first electrochemical sensor. Additionally, a second potentiostat is connected to the second electrochemical sensor and configured to perform a second electrochemical measurement with the second electrochemical sensor. The first potentiostat and the second potentiostat are electrically isolated from one another.

Abstract: A system-on-chip contactless physiological sensor (10) is provided which comprises a capacitive-sensor electrode (14) having a first capacitance (C1) and an amplifier device (18) connected to the capacitive-sensor electrode (14), the capacitive-sensor electrode (14) and amplifier device (18) at least in part forming an amplifier circuit for the physiological sensor (10). An artefact-reducing capacitor (20) is then connected in series between the capacitive-sensor electrode (14) and an input of the amplifier device (18), the artefact-reducing capacitor (20) having a second capacitance (C2) which is less than the first capacitance (C1). In this sensor (10), there is no impedance boosting input between the capacitive-sensor electrode (14) and the input of the amplifier device (18).

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated binding reagent that specifically binds to a recombinant Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus (CSSV) coat protein antigen having at least 80% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 4 and/or at least 80% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3. A porous membrane based sensor for detecting CSSV comprising a recombinant CSSV coat protein antigen and a method for detecting CSSV using the sensor are also provided. A competitive ELISA for detecting viral infections in plants is also provided.

Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus for analysing a sample to diagnose disease, the apparatus comprising: a separating element for separating gas derived from the sample into component parts; a sensor arrangement coupled to the separating element such that a component part of the gas is directed towards the sensor arrangement, the sensor arrangement being configured to detect compounds which may be indicative of disease; and a processing element coupled to an output of the sensor arrangement, the processing element being configured to process a signal output by the sensor arrangement to provide a diagnosis.

Abstract: A movement detection device for detecting quantitatively the movement of a patient by capturing images of a deformable surface having an indicator associated therewith, the indicator being responsive to changes in a profile of the deformable surface. The captured images are analysed to derive a patient movement from the changes in the profile of the deformable surface. For example, the movement detection device of the invention can detect the sense (translational and/or rotational) and magnitude of the patient movement. This information may enable real time adjustment of the treatment signal or indeed provide a safety facility whereby should there be detection that the patent has moved or has moved beyond certain parameters, the device that is observing or treating the patent is switched off.

Abstract: A microbial fuel cell (MFC) in which the anode and/or cathode half-cell comprises at least one additional electrode insulated from direct contact with the working electrode and arranged to be coupled to an external voltage or current source, wherein the additional electrode does not comprise an internal redox system, methods of operation of MFCs and methods for measuring, controlling or modulating MFC circuits are described.

Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus for analysing a sample to diagnose disease, the apparatus comprising: a separating element for separating gas derived from the sample into component parts; a sensor arrangement coupled to the separating element such that a component part of the gas is directed towards the sensor arrangement, the sensor arrangement being configured to detect compounds which may be indicative of disease; and a processing element coupled to an output of the sensor arrangement, the processing element being configured to process a signal output by the sensor arrangement to provide a diagnosis.

Abstract: A movement detection device for detecting quantitatively the movement of a patient by capturing images of a deformable surface having an indicator associated therewith, the indicator being responsive to changes in a profile of the deformable surface. The captured images are analysed to derive a patient movement from the changes in the profile of the deformable surface. For example, the movement detection device of the invention can detect the sense (translational and/or rotational) and magnitude of the patient movement. This information may enable real time adjustment of the treatment signal or indeed provide a safety facility whereby should there be detection that the patent has moved or has moved beyond certain parameters, the device that is observing or treating the patent is switched off.

Abstract: Apparatus for analyzing a surface which, in use, is subject to drag, the apparatus comprising, a light source for generating light of at least one predetermined wavelength, a light source holder for holding and positioning the light source so as to direct it at the surface, a light detector for detecting reflected light from the surface and generating a signal in response thereto, a light detector holder for holding the light detector and positioning it so as to detect the reflected light, and a connector for connecting the light detector to a microprocessor to analyze the signal. Also disclosed is a method of analyzing a surface which, in use, is subject to drag.

Abstract: A non-contact skin imaging device for capturing 2D and 3D textural data from a skin surface using a photometric stereo technique in which a skin surface position detector is arranged to sense when the skin surface is in the optimal position for the 2D and 3D textural data to be collected. The device may comprise an optical range finder for determining a position of the skin surface, whereby capture of photometric stereo image data can be automatically triggered when the skin surface is in the optimal position. With this arrangement, a decision to capture the photometric stereo image data can be taken without the input of a human user.

Abstract: Magnetic particles are distributed across a fluid flow by applied magnetic field to interact with a test substance in fluid. Alternatively or additionally, particles, which may be magnetic, are combined with cells and energy, e.g. ultrasonic energy, is applied to cause the particles to create a lysate. Alternatively or additionally, the size of a quantity of magnetic particles is assessed by its impact on the tuning mechanism of a controlled oscillator that is affected by the particles.

Abstract: A computer system comprising a processor and memory, wherein the system is programmed to provide a metamodel comprising a plurality of predefined fields relating to requirements engineering and ontological relationships between at least some of the predefined fields, and is programmed to prompt a user to enter information into the predefined fields in order to create a requirements specification.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition, which comprises a particulate mixture of: (i) 25 to 80% calcined clay; (ii) 5 to 70% fluxing component; and (iii) 5 to 70% filler component.

Abstract: The present application relates to a system (10) for anatomical reduction of bone fractures in which first and second manipulators (12, 14), and optionally a third manipulator (16), are attached to fragments of the fracture to be reduced by percutaneous attachment devices such as Schanz pins. An underlying processing system determines, from one or more medical images of the fracture, manipulations such as rotations and translations of the bone fragments required to correctly reposition and align the fragments for optimum healing of the fracture. The processing system provides motion reference signals (position, speed, acceleration and force) for a controller, which in turn causes the first, second and third manipulators (12, 14, 16) to effect the calculated manipulations.

Abstract: The present invention provides an arrangement of microbial fuel cells (MFCs) in which the MFCs are in discontinuous flow communication, methods of operating such an arrangement, methods of hydrogen production and electrical production using such an arrangement, a digester for use in the arrangement and methods of increasing power output from the arrangement.

Abstract: A computer system comprising a processor and memory, wherein the system is programmed to provide a metamodel comprising a plurality of predefined fields relating to requirements engineering and ontological relationships between at least some of the predefined fields, and is programmed to prompt a user to enter information into the predefined fields in order to create a requirements specification.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition, which comprises a particulate mixture of: (i) 25 to 80% calcined clay; (ii) 5 to 70% fluxing component; and (iii) 5 to 70% filler component.

Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus (10) for analysing a sample to diagnose disease, the apparatus (10) comprising: a separating element (16) for separating gas derived from the sample into component parts; a sensor arrangement (18) coupled to the separating element (16) such that a component part of the gas is directed towards the sensor arrangement (18), the sensor arrangement (18) being configured to detect compounds which may be indicative of disease; and a processing element (20) coupled to an output of the sensor arrangement (18), the processing element (20) being configured to process a signal output by the sensor arrangement (18) to provide a diagnosis.

Abstract: A method of detection of a volatile compound in a gaseous atmosphere comprises irradiating a semiconducting metal oxide material with ultraviolet light, exposing the irradiated material to the gaseous atmosphere and determining the presence of any volatile compound in the atmosphere by monitoring a change in electrical conductivity of the material. The method can detect non-polar organic compounds as well as polar compounds. Zinc oxide particles in the nanometre size range are preferred. The method may be used for medical diagnosis or for environment monitoring purposes.

Abstract: Magnetic particles are distributed across a fluid flow by applied magnetic field to interact with a test substance in fluid. Alternatively or additionally, particles, which may be magnetic, are combined with cells and energy, e.g. ultrasonic energy, is applied to cause the particles to create a lysate. Alternatively or additionally, the size of a quantity of magnetic particles is assessed by its impact on the tuning mechanism of a controlled oscillator that is affected by the particles.