Abstract: A sequence of polymer units in a polymer (3), eg. DNA, is estimated from at least one series of measurements related to the polymer, eg. ion current as a function of translocation through a nanopore (1), wherein the value of each measurement is dependent on a k-mer being a group of k polymer units (4). A probabilistic model, especially a hidden Markov model (HMM), is provided, comprising, for a set of possible k-mers: transition weightings representing the chances of transitions from origin k-mers to destination k-mers; and emission weightings in respect of each k-mer that represent the chances of observing given values of measurements for that k-mer. The series of measurements is analysed using an analytical technique, eg. Viterbi decoding, that refers to the model and estimates at least one estimated sequence of polymer units in the polymer based on the likelihood predicted by the model of the series of measurements being produced by sequences of polymer units.

Abstract: A combustion engine (10) comprises a radial compressor (16) in flow communication via a flow passage (22) with a compressor-combustor array (20) radially outward of the radial compressor (16), both rotatable around a central axis (12). The compressor-combustor (20) comprises an array of rotor blades (26). The walls of the blades (26) define a plurality of chambers (28, 30). Each chamber (28, 30) has a flow inlet (32) to receive fluid from the radial compressor (16), and a flow outlet to exhaust fluid radially outwards from the compressor-combustor (20). The plurality of chambers (28, 30) comprises a first pilot combustion chamber (28a) and a second pilot combustion chamber (28b). The first pilot combustion chamber (28a) is provided with a first fuel injector (40a), and the second pilot combustion chamber (28b) is provided with a second fuel injector (40a).

Abstract: A combustion engine (10) comprises a radial compressor (16) in flow communication via a flow passage (22) with a compressor-combustor array (20) radially outward of the radial compressor (16), both rotatable around a central axis (12). The compressor-combustor (20) comprises an array of rotor blades (26). The walls of the blades (26) define a plurality of chambers (28, 30). Each chamber (28, 30) has a flow inlet (32) to receive fluid from the radial compressor (16), and a flow outlet to exhaust fluid radially outwards from the compressor-combustor (20). The plurality of chambers (28, 30) comprises a first pilot combustion chamber (28a) and a second pilot combustion chamber (28b). The first pilot combustion chamber (28a) is provided with a first fuel injector (40a), and the second pilot combustion chamber (28b) is provided with a second fuel injector (40a).

Abstract: A medical training system is disclosed comprising a medical simulation management module, a student record database having a plurality of records relating to training of students, wherein the student record database is connectable to the medical simulation management module, at least one medical training module executable on a training device and comprising scenarios for the training of the students; and a data entry device for entry of student training data to the student record database, the student training data being indicative of performance of the students on using the at least one medical training module.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of conducting polymers. More specifically, the present invention relates to polymerisable monomers comprising a probe capable of binding one or more nucleic acids or comprising a nucleic acid or an analogue thereof, conducting polymers comprising monomer units of such monomers, and methods of making such polymers. The present invention also relates to sensors comprising the polymers, sensor systems comprising the sensors, methods of making the sensors, and methods for determining the presence or absence or amount of targets employing the sensors. The present invention also relates to methods, systems and apparatuses for amplifying nucleic acids employing the conducting polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for amplifying, detecting, and optionally quantifying, nucleic acids. In one aspect the method comprises (a) providing a reaction volume comprising (i) a first electrode comprising an electrochemically-active conducting polymer, a first single-stranded nucleic acid molecule capable of hybridizing to a target nucleic acid, wherein the first nucleic acid molecule is covalently attached to the electrochemically-active conducting polymer, and (ii) a second electrode, (b) providing a reaction mixture to the reaction volume, the reaction mixture comprising a target nucleic acid, a nucleic acid polymerase, a redox couple, and nucleic acid amplification reagents, (c) amplifying the nucleic acid, and (d) measuring the impedance of the first electrode at least once during the nucleic acid amplification reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for amplifying, detecting, and optionally quantifying, nucleic acids. In one aspect the method comprises (a) providing a reaction volume comprising (i) a first electrode comprising an electrochemically-active conducting polymer, a first single-stranded nucleic acid molecule capable of hybridizing to a target nucleic acid, wherein the first nucleic acid molecule is covalently attached to the electrochemically-active conducting polymer, and (ii) a second electrode, (b) providing a reaction mixture to the reaction volume, the reaction mixture comprising a target nucleic acid, a nucleic acid polymerase, a redox couple, and nucleic acid amplification reagents, (c) amplifying the nucleic acid, and (d) measuring the impedance of the first electrode at least once during the nucleic acid amplification reaction.

Abstract: A medical training development system for development of medical training scenarios (15) is disclosed. The medical training development system comprises a repository (110) with a plurality of pre-programmed event modules (120) and pre-programmed medical training scenarios (15?). A scenario programming system (140) is connectable to the repository (110) for accessing the event modules (120) and the pre-programmed medical training scenarios (15) for programming the medical training scenarios (15?).

Abstract: Non ligand binding pocket antagonists for the human androgen receptor. The androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the Nuclear Receptor (NR) family and its role is to modulate the biological effects of the endogenous androgens, testosterone (tes) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Synthetic androgens and anti-androgens have therapeutic value in the treatment of various androgen dependent conditions, from regulation of male fertility to prostate cancer. Current treatment of prostate cancer (PCa) typically involves administration of ‘classical’ antiandrogens, competitive inhibitors of natural AR ligands, DHT and tes, for the ligand binding pocket (LBP) in the C-terminal ligand binding domain (LBD) of the AR. However, prolonged LBP-targeting can often lead to androgen resistance and alternative therapies and therapeutic strategies are urgently required. Disclosed herein are a class of non-steroidal, small molecule AR antagonists which inhibit the transcriptional activity of the AR by non LBP-mediated modulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for amplifying, detecting, and optionally quantifying, nucleic acids. In one aspect the method comprises (a) providing a reaction volume comprising (i) a first electrode comprising an electrochemically-active conducting polymer, a first single-stranded nucleic acid molecule capable of hybridizing to a target nucleic acid, wherein the first nucleic acid molecule is covalently attached to the electrochemically-active conducting polymer, and (ii) a second electrode, (b) providing a reaction mixture to the reaction volume, the reaction mixture comprising a target nucleic acid, a nucleic acid polymerase, a redox couple, and nucleic acid amplification reagents, (c) amplifying the nucleic acid, and (d) measuring the impedance of the first electrode at least once during the nucleic acid amplification reaction.

Abstract: A medical training system is disclosed comprising a medical simulation management module, a student record database having a plurality of records relating to training of students, wherein the student record database is connectable to the medical simulation management module, at least one medical training module executable on a training device and comprising scenarios for the training of the students; and a data entry device for entry of student training data to the student record database, the student training data being indicative of performance of the students on using the at least one medical training module.

Abstract: A medical training system is disclosed comprising a medical sensor, a student record database having a plurality of records relating to training of students, wherein the student record database is connectable to a medical sensor for monitoring medical procedures on a patient; and a data entry device for entry of student performance data to the student record database, the student performance data being indicative of performance of the students on at least one medical procedure.

Abstract: A medical training development system for development of medical training scenarios (15) is disclosed. The medical training development system comprises a repository (110) with a plurality of pre-programmed event modules (120) and pre-programmed medical training scenarios (15?). A scenario programming system (140) is connectable to the repository (110) for accessing the event modules (120) and the pre-programmed medical training scenarios (15) for programming the medical training scenarios (15?).

Abstract: A base station is provided for communicating data to a mobile terminal unit by means of at least one antenna unit, wherein the at least one antenna unit is linked to the base station by means of at least one optical fiber and the at least one antenna unit is operable to communicate wirelessly with the mobile terminal unit. The base station comprises an optical transmitter for transmitting modulated data signals to the at least one antenna unit for wireless transmission, an optical receiver for receiving modulated data signals forwarded by the at least one antenna unit and a demodulator for demodulating received modulated data signals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for communicating data between a first and a second terminal unit, wherein at least one of the terminal units is a mobile terminal unit. The apparatus includes a base station and a number of antenna units each linked to the base station. The base station has a transmitter that transmits modulated data signals to each of the antenna units, a receiver that receives modulated data signals forwarded by at least one of the antenna units, demodulator that demodulates received modulated data signals that have been modulated according to a predetermined modulation scheme.

Abstract: A base station is provided for communicating data to a mobile terminal unit by means of at least one antenna unit, wherein the at least one antenna unit is linked to the base station by means of at least one optical fibre and the at least one antenna unit is operable to communicate wirelessly with the mobile terminal unit. The base station comprises an optical transmitter for transmitting modulated data signals to the at least one antenna unit for wireless transmission, an optical receiver for receiving modulated data signals forwarded by the at least one antenna unit and a demodulator for demodulating received modulated data signals.

Abstract: A tray unloader for rod-like articles of the tobacco industry includes a horizontally-movable, slidable carriage supporting an independently-driven tray inverting carrier arranged to pick up an upright full tray from a receiving position and invert it during movement to an unloading position. In the unloading position articles are received directly over opposed horizontal bands having a delivery channel between confronting ends and defining the initial level at which articles are received over most of the width of the tray. Downstream of the channel is a conveyor which operates at a relatively high rate during a first phase of unloading for each tray and at a reduced rate during a second phase, so as to allow controlled emptying of the tray and establishment of the residual level of articles in the channel after completion of unloading of each tray.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pyrrolobenzoxazepines, pyrrolobenzthiazepines and related compounds having the ability to induce apoptosis, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and to their use as anti-tumour agents.

Abstract: An output stage for a power amplifier comprises an amplifying device T1 connected in series with a variable current sink T2 between positive and negative supply rails +/−V. A loudspeaker S is connected between the zero volt rail OV and a point intermediate the amplifying device T1 and the variable current sink T2. A feedback loop A1,A2 is provided for increasing the amount of current required by the variable current sink T2 as the amount of current delivered to the loudspeaker s by the amplifying device T1 falls. Thus, in one half cycle of the input signal Vin, the loudspeaker S is provided with current through the amplifying device T1 and in the other half cycle the variable current sink T2 draws current through the loudspeaker S. When no input is applied, the variable current sink T2 draws a low current and thus the output stage has an improved efficiency compared with conventional class A amplifiers.

Abstract: A tray unloader for rod-like articles of the tobacco industry includes a horizontally-movable, slidable carriage supporting an independently-driven tray inverting carrier arranged to pick up an upright full tray from a receiving position and invert it during movement to an unloading position. In the unloading position articles are received directly over opposed horizontal bands having a delivery channel between confronting ends and defining the initial level at which articles are received over most of the width of the tray. Downstream of the channel is a conveyor which operates at a relatively high rate during a first phase of unloading for each tray and at a reduced rate during a second phase, so as to allow controlled emptying of the tray and establishment of the residual level of articles in the channel after completion of unloading of each tray.