Abstract: A digital microphone includes a first modulation path having an input for receiving an analog input signal and an output for generating a first digital signal; a second modulation path having an input for receiving the analog input signal and an output for generating a second digital signal; a summing circuit having a first input for receiving the first digital signal, a second input for receiving the second digital signal, and an output for generating a digital calibration path signal; and a difference circuit having a first input for receiving the first digital signal, a second input for receiving the second digital signal, and an output for generating a digital signal path signal.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a MEMS microphone, comprising an output interface for providing an output signal of the MEMS microphone, and comprising a memory, wherein the output interface is configured to provide, in a normal mode of operation, a microphone signal as the output signal of the MEMS microphone, and wherein the output interface is configured to provide, in an initialization mode of operation, a data signal as the output signal of the MEMS microphone, wherein the data signal carries an information stored in the memory.

Abstract: A system includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a digital modulator coupled to the ADC, wherein the digital modulator comprises an output for providing a digital signal, wherein the digital modulator comprises a main signal path and a feedback path, and wherein the feedback path comprises a first digital gain stage having a first adjustable gain range.

Abstract: A method of analysing a skin-print comprises: receiving a skin-print on a substrate; performing a quantity test to obtain a quantity score for the skin-print; performing a chemical analysis of the skin-print to detect for the presence of one or more chemical species and thereby provide a chemical test result; and storing or transmitting the chemical test result together with the quantity score.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a MEMS microphone, comprising an output interface for providing an output signal of the MEMS microphone, and comprising a memory, wherein the output interface is configured to provide, in a normal mode of operation, a microphone signal as the output signal of the MEMS microphone, and wherein the output interface is configured to provide, in an initialization mode of operation, a data signal as the output signal of the MEMS microphone, wherein the data signal carries an information stored in the memory.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and materials for use in the detection of influenza viruses which utilise a nanoparticle, for example gold nanoparticle, probe comprising a plurality of glycoconjugate ligands, each glyconjugate ligand (GL) having a plurality of sialic-acid containing recognition group (Y) coupled to the nanoparticle via a multivalent core (X), wherein the multivalent core (X) is a trivalent core, whereby there are 3 recognition groups per ligand, wherein the recognition groups on the bioconjugate specifically bind to the hemagglutinin on the target influenza virus. The probes may include further ligands bound to the nanoparticle which do not bind specifically to an influenza virus—for example polyethylene glycol groups. These can modulate density of the glycoconjugate ligand on the surface of the nanoparticle. Binding of probes is detected by a plasmonic signal which is specific to the influenza virus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to self-assembly of a photosensitizer on a nanoparticle. The invention also provides methods for production of functionalized (eg. stabilized) nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may be used in Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). The invention can provide, for example, self-assembled phthalocyanine monolayers (SAMs), wherein the monolayer is formed on a metallic nanoparticle. The term “metallic” as used herein refers to metals, metal oxides and other metal-containing compositions. According to the invention a functionalized nanoparticle comprises: a metallic core; a photosensitizer monolayer chemically bonded to said core, said monolayer containing molecules capable of photo-excitation to produce a reactive oxygen species such as singlet oxygen, from oxygen molecules; and a phase transfer reagent.

Abstract: There is provided a compound of formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, X, Y1, Y2, Y3, Z, M, A-B and C-D have meanings given in the description, which are useful in the treatment of medical conditions for which a photodynamic compound is indicated. Compositions, apparatus and methods of treatment of a medical condition for which a photodynamic compound is indicated are also disclosed.