Abstract: A method for the detection of an analyte in a fluid, which comprises contacting the fluid with a holographic element comprising a medium and a hologram disposed throughout the volume of the medium, wherein an optical characteristic of the element changes as a result of a variation of a physical property occurring throughout the volume of the medium, and wherein the variation arises as a result of interaction between the medium and the analyte; and detecting any change of the optical characteristic of the element; wherein (a) the medium comprises a group which is capable of reacting with the analyte, wherein the analyte or the group is capable of existing in a plurality of forms, and the detecting is conducted in the presence of a first catalyst which is capable of catalysing the conversion of a relatively less reactive form of the analyte or group to a relatively more reactive form; or (b) the fluid comprises a component, other than the analyte, which is capable of interacting with the medium, and the detecti

Abstract: A sensor which comprises a support medium and a hologram disposed therein, wherein an optical characteristic of the medium varies as a result of a change of a property of the medium, and wherein the medium is heterogeneous such that the change of property is heterogeneous.

Abstract: A sensor (8) comprises a medium and a hologram disposed throughout the volume of the medium, wherein an optical characteristic of the hologram changes as a result of a variation of a physical property of the medium, and wherein the hologram is formed as a non-planar mirror.

Abstract: An array of discrete sensors disposed on a substrate, each sensor comprising a holographic support medium and a hologram disposed throughout the volume of the medium, whereby interaction with an analyte results in a variation of a property of the medium.

Abstract: An acoustic sensor comprises at least one resonant element. A driver comprises an electrical coupling means and an electromagnetic field source arranged such that the electrical coupling means transfers currents to the electromagnetic field source. The electromagnetic field source produces an electromagnetic field that drives the resonant elements to produce acoustic waves directed to a predetermined part of a test sample. Also provided is an electromagnetic detector for receiving the acoustic spectrum omitted from a test sample and an electrical circuit connected to the drive around detector.

Abstract: A method for the detection of an analyte in a fluid, comprising contacting the fluid with a holographic element comprising a medium and a hologram disposed throughout the volume of the medium, wherein an optical characteristic of the element changes as a result of a variation of a physical property occurring throughout the volume of the medium, wherein the variation arises as a result of interaction between the medium and the analyte, and wherein the reaction and the variation are reversible; and detecting any change of the optical characteristic.

Abstract: A sensor for the detection of an analyte, comprising a holographic element comprising a medium and a hologram disposed throughout the volume of the medium, wherein an optical characteristic of the hologram changes as a result of a variation of a physical property occurring throughout the volume of the medium, wherein the medium is obtainable by formation in situ in the presence of a pore-forming agent, wherein the agent is not present in the sensor or does not react with the analyte and the sensor.

Abstract: A sensor for the detection of an analyte comprising a cis-diol moiety, which comprises a holographic element comprising a medium and a hologram disposed throughout the volume of the medium, wherein an optical characteristic of the element changes as a result of a variation of a physical property occurring throughout the volume of the medium, and wherein the medium is a polymer comprising a group of formula (I): wherein n is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4; each X (if present) is independently is an atom or group which, viaan electronic effect, promotes formation of a tetrahedral geometry about the boron atom; and Y is a spacer which, when n is 0 or otherwise optionally, is an atom or group which, via an electronic effect, promotes formation of a tetrahedral geometry about the boron atom. Such a sensor may be used for the detection of glucose.

Abstract: A method for the detection of a cell comprises immobilizing the cell in a device also containing a sensor, and introducing a growth medium, wherein the sensor is sensitive to a product of the cell's growth; and detecting any change in an optical characteristic of the sensor. A device suitable for use in the invention comprises a chamber including a sensor, inlets for sample and for a growth medium, and means for immobilizing an antibody in the chamber or elsewhere in the device that provides a fluidic link with the sensor.

Abstract: A method for monitoring cells in a microfluidic-device, wherein the device includes a chamber comprising a sensor, and the monitoring is under conditions such that attachment of cells to the surface of the chamber is inhibited.

Abstract: An affinity ligand-matrix conjugate comprises the matrix and conjugated thereto by the group Z, a ligand having general formula (I): wherein one X is N and the other X is N, CCL or CCn; A1 and A2 are each independently O, S or N—R1 and R1 is H, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 hydroxyalkyl, benzyl or ?-phenylethyl; B1 and B2 are each independently an optionally substituted hydrocarbon linkage containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms; D1 is H or a primary amino, secondary amino, tertiary amino, quaternary ammonium, imidazole, guanidine or amidino group; and D2 is a secondary amino, tertiary amino, quaternary ammonium, imadazole, guanidine or amidino group; or B2-D2 is —CHCOOH—(CH2)3-4—NH2; and p is 0 or 1. Such conjugates are useful for the separation, isolation, purification, characterization, identification or quantification of an endotoxin.

Abstract: A sensor cell comprises receiving means, which may be in the form of an electrode 10 coupled to the gate electrode of a thin film transistor T1. In one form of the invention a voltage supplied to the gate electrode of the transistor T1 via a switching transistor T7 is controlled in dependence upon the value of capacitance CA arising at the electrode from receipt of a sample for identification. Thus, the operation of transistor T1 can be used to identify the sample received by the electrode 10.

Abstract: A process to make particles by anaerobic reaction of a water-insoluble solution of organic compounds comprising (a) a monomer selected from C2-4 alkylene glycol esters of a C3-6 acrylic acid and a divinyl benzene; (b) a polyfluorinated vinyl monomer; (c) a monomer selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and esters thereof; (d) a free radical initiator; and (e) a water-insoluble, organic solvent-soluble porogenic material, the weight ratio of comonomers (a) plus (b) plus (c) to the porogenic material being from 0.5:1 to 2:1. The adsorbent particles produced by the process are useful in carrying out chromatographic separations, or in the production of medical devices.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to compositions and methods for treating disease states which are capable of being modulated by inhibition of phosphodiesterase IV or Tumour Necrosis Factor, or that is a pathological condition associated with a function of phosphodiesterase IV, eosinophil accumulation or a function of the eosinophil, said method comprising administering to a person or animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of the compound of a formula wherein R1 is C1-3 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more fluorines; R2 is CH2OCH3 or 2 or 3-tetrahydrofuranyl; R3 is a pyrazole, imidazole or isoxazole group of partial formula (A), (B) or (C) R4 is C 1-3 alkyl; and R5 and R6, which may be the same or different, each represents C1-3 alkyl, halogen, CF3 or CN; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof

Abstract: A sensor cell comprises receiving means, which may be in the form of an electrode 10 coupled to the gate electrode of a thin film transistor T1. In one form of the invention a voltage supplied to the gate electrode of the transistor T1 via a switching transistor T7 is controlled in dependence upon the value of capacitance CA arising at the electrode from receipt of a sample for identification. Thus, the operation of transistor T1 can be used to identify the sample received by the electrode 10.

Abstract: A compound of the formula wherein R1 is C1-3 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more fluorines; R2 is C1-6 alkyl, cycloalkyl or NR4R5; R3 is a pyrazole, imidazole or isoxazole group of partial formula (A), (B) or (C) NR4R5 is a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring; R6 is C1-3 alkyl; and R7 and R8, which are the same or different, each represents C1-3 alkyl, halogen, CF3 or CN; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to compositions and methods for treating disease states which are capable of being modulated by inhibition of phosphodiesterase IV or Tumour Necrosis Factor, or that is a pathological condition associated with a function of phosphodiesterase IV, eosinophil accumulation or a function of the eosinophil, said method comprising administering to a person or animal in need of such treatment an effective amount of the compound of a formula 1

Abstract: A compound of the formula wherein R1 is C1-3 alkyl optionally substituted with one or more fluorines; R2 is CH2OCH3 or 2 or 3-tetrahydrofuranyl; R3 is a pyrazole, imidazole or isoxazole group of partial formula (A), (B) or (C)  R4 is C1-3 alkyl; and R5 and R6, which may be the same or different, each represents C1-3 alkyl, halogen, CF3 or CN; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: A compound of the formula 1

Abstract: The compound, according to formula (i) wherein X and Y are independently CH, N or N-oxide, provided that X and Y do not both represent CH; Z is CO or CS; R1 is alkyl, optionally substituted with one or more halogens; and R2, R3, R4 and R5 are each various organic groups. Such compounds have therapeutic utility, via inhibition of phosphodiesterase IV.