Abstract: In some embodiments of a method for calibrating metrology devices, an array of scanning probe microscopes (SPMs), such as AFMs, scan a plurality of targets on a wafer. Each SPM has a tip that moves vertically and also moves in at least one lateral direction. The AFM conducts a first scan at a wide FOV to locate the targets. For any misaligned AFMs, wherein the target is not within the zoom FOV of the AFM, the tip of such AFMs is actuated to move laterally to navigate to a respective target. Another scan is then performed at the zoom FOV to measure the targets. The array is then sequentially advanced, and the wide-and zoom-FOV scans are repeated, with navigation to correct misalignment as necessary, until all targets are scanned by all AFMs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for treating a respiratory disease in a patient. The method comprises administering by inhalation a therapeutically effective combination of a glycoprotein affecting protease and a sputum-degrading agent.

Abstract: Distance-sensing techniques (between probes and a sample) utilize at least one of squeeze-film damping and temperature sensing for scanning probe microscopy. Squeeze-film damping may be used for “approach;” that is, z-position detection. It may also be used for “imaging;” that is, to obtain a topographic map of the surface of a sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure seeks to provide a handpiece configuration for a surgical instrument such as an electrosurgical instrument to reduce the risk of a burn to the operator handling the handpiece. In particular, the present disclosure firstly provides an inner moulding in the handpiece for housing a motor and a suction path of the electrosurgical instrument. The inner moulding comprises a thermal conduction path between the motor and the suction path for the purpose of transferring heat generated from the motor to the exiting irrigation fluid in the suction path. The handpiece is further configured to comprise a thermally insulating outer casing surrounding the inner moulding. This configuration of the handpiece enables heat transfer from the motor to the irrigation fluid in the suction path while keeping the external surface of the handpiece cool.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a surgical instrument having a hollow shaft for transferring fluid and/or debris generated during use of the surgical instrument. The apparatus comprises: a drive unit comprising a driving part configured to generate a driving force for driving the surgical instrument, and a driven part driven by the driving part to transfer the driving force to the surgical instrument; and a channel arranged to receive the hollow shaft of the surgical instrument, the channel extending through the driven part of the drive unit.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a handpiece having a socket, including a distal opening providing access to a passage having a longitudinal axis, and first and second electrical contacts located therein, wherein the contacts are displaced along the longitudinal axis so the first contact is more distal than the second. Also, a surgical instrument includes an elongate shaft having distal and proximal ends, wherein an end effector at the distal end is for treating tissue. Further, a connecting portion includes third and fourth electrical contacts, wherein the contacts are displaced along the shaft so the third contact is more distal than the fourth. The surgical instrument is coaxially coupled to the handpiece by the connecting portion received in the passage, so the first contact is aligned with the third and the second is aligned with the fourth to provide an electrical power signal from the handpiece to the surgical instrument.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for the prophylaxis or treatment of a viral infection in a patient. The method comprises administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a combination of a glycoprotein affecting protease and a disulphide bond breaking agent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a biofilm degrading protease, a disulphide bond breaking agent and an antibiotic, as well as a method for debriding biofilm (e.g. on an implant) in a patient's body. The method comprises contacting the biofilm with a combination of a biofilm degrading protease and disulphide bond breaking agent.

Abstract: A process and apparatus wherein a process material comprising two or more distinct phases are fed continuously to a tubular reactor containing an agitator wherein as the phases flow along the reactor the agitator displaces at least part of a first phase from its natural position to within a second phase where it is distributed within the second phase by the agitator and the agitator is designed to allow the first phase that is distributed within the second phase to flow naturally back towards its natural distinct position within the reactor as the phases pass through the reactor, useful for mixing and/or reacting liquid/liquid; gas/gas and liquid/gas mixtures as well as solid liquid mixtures.

Abstract: A method for determining contamination of a biosensor in which the biosensor is loaded into a test meter and a sample is then applied. First and second predetermined test voltages are applied between spaced electrodes of the biosensor for respective first and second predetermined time intervals. First and second current values are measured during the respective first and second predetermined time intervals. Reference values are determined based on the measured first and second current values. Based on one or more of the reference values, a determination of contamination is made. Reporting of the analyte concentration of the sample can be suppressed based on the determination.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are tissue ablation devices and methods. The device comprises a sheath comprising a distal end that is positionable at an ablation site in the tissue, a proximal end and a lumen extending therebetween. The device also comprises one or more electrodes that are advanceable and retractable through the lumen, wherein a distal portion of the one or more electrodes is deployable into a tissue ablating configuration from the distal end of the sheath upon advancement, and the one or more electrodes are removable from the lumen via the proximal end of the sheath upon retraction, whereupon the lumen becomes vacated. The sheath is configured for a surgical material to traverse the vacated lumen for delivery from the distal end of the sheath into the tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tissue ablation device comprising a sheath and a probe. The sheath is positionable within body tissue and comprises a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen extending therebetween. The probe comprises an elongate portion configured to be slidably received in the lumen, the elongate portion housing an electrode that is deployable from a distal end of the probe's elongate portion into a substantially planar deployed configuration when the distal end of the elongate portion is located at or beyond the distal end of the sheath. An angle of deployment of the electrode from the distal end of the probe (and hence into the body tissue, in use) is selectable by orientating the probe with respect to the sheath.

Abstract: A surgical shaving instrument (1) comprises a main body (2), a hollow elongate shaft (4) extending from the main body (2). The elongate shaft (4) defines an elongate inner open volume through the shaft. A tip portion (18) extends from the distal end region of the elongate shaft (4). A driveshaft extends through the elongate shaft (4) from the main body (2) to the distal end region of the elongate shaft (4). A cutter head (12) is attached to the driveshaft and located in the tip portion (10), the cutter head (12) extends at least partially out of the tip portion (18). The aperture of the tip portion (18) is defined by an inner edge, and a portion of the inner edge defines a fixed shaver blade (40) for the instrument, the fixed shaver blade (40) having a cutting angle which is substantially constant along the inner edge.

Abstract: An eyewear with an adjustable indication of vision field comprises an eyewear frame having a right side and a left side opposite the right side, a shade positioning assembly attached to one of the right side and the left side of the eyewear frame, and a shade attached to the eyewear frame at the shade positioning assembly. The eyewear frame has a pair of lens areas positioned between the right side and the left side and adapted to be aligned with a pair of eyes of a user. The shade is formed of a transparent material. The shade is movable along the shade positioning assembly to a plurality of positions among which the shade covers a varying amount of one of the lens areas.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a microsphere for delivery to a target area in a patients body. The microsphere contains a mucin-affecting protease loaded therein and is adapted to release the mucin-affecting protease in a sustained manner when exposed to physiological conditions. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the microspheres and methods of treatment involving the microspheres.

Abstract: A method of constructing conductive material in arbitrary three-dimensional (3D) geometries, such as 3D printing. The method may include selective application of an aerosol-based colloidal solution containing a catalytic palladium nanoparticle material onto a substrate and then immersion of the coated substrate into an electro-less plating bath for deposition of conductive copper material. The above steps may be repeated to create arbitrary 3D geometric constructs containing conductive metallic patterns.

Abstract: A method of constructing conductive material in arbitrary three-dimensional (3D) geometries, such as 3D printing. The method may include selective application of an aerosol-based colloidal solution containing a catalytic palladium nanoparticle material onto a substrate and then immersion of the coated substrate into an electro-less plating bath for deposition of conductive copper material. The above steps may be repeated to create arbitrary 3D geometric constructs containing conductive metallic patterns.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel conjugating reagents capable of reaction with at least one nucleophile present in a peptide or protein, which contain at least one leaving group which is lost on reaction with said nucleophile, in which the leaving group includes a portion —(CH2CH2O)n—, in which n is a number of six or more; and novel processes for the preparation of conjugates containing peptides or proteins made using such reagents.

Abstract: A method of constructing conductive material in arbitrary three-dimensional (3D) geometries, such as 3D printing. The method may include selective application of an aerosol-based colloidal solution containing a catalytic palladium nanoparticle material onto a substrate and then immersion of the coated substrate into an electro-less plating bath for deposition of conductive copper material. The above steps may be repeated to create arbitrary 3D geometric constructs containing conductive metallic patterns.