Abstract: A probe, such as a spectroscopic probe, for enabling a fluid or tissue sample to be tested in situ. The probe includes a conduit, such as a hypodermic needle, that can be inserted into a test subject and a wave coupling arranged to direct electromagnetic radiation, such as light, from an energy source to the sample and/or from the sample to a receiver for analysis. The receiver may comprise a Raman spectroscope. The probe may include a carriage that can be used to move at least some of the optical coupling towards and away from the insertion tip of the conduit. The probe may include a pressure modifier that can be used to draw fluid into or expel fluid from the conduit.

Abstract: Non invasive in-vivo measurement of composition of a tissue within a part of a human or animal subject is carried out by detecting a Raman spectral characteristic in light scattered through the part using a transmission, rather than a backscattering geometry. The technique is applied to the detection of calcifications in human breast tissues.

Abstract: Non invasive in-vivo measurement of composition of a tissue within a part of a human or animal subject is carried out by detecting a Raman spectral characteristic in light scattered through the part using a transmission, rather than a backscattering geometry. The technique is applied to the detection of calcifications in human breast tissues.

Abstract: A compression-ignition internal combustion engine for aircraft generally comprises a stationary crankshaft, a crankcase adapted to rotate about the stationary crankshaft, and a plurality of cylinders radially extending from the crankcase. Each cylinder includes a piston adapted to reciprocate therein and a connecting rod drivingly coupling the piston to the crankshaft. The engine further comprises a valve assembly for operating an exhaust valve associated with each cylinder and a fuel assembly for supplying fuel to each cylinder. First and second cams mounted on the crankshaft are adapted to operate the valve assembly and fuel assembly in a timed manner as the crankcase rotates about the crankshaft. The engine also includes a propeller synchronizer for adjusting the pitch of a plurality of propellers radially extending from the rotating crankcase.

Abstract: An electronic device including at least first and second transistors integrated together on a substrate and each including an organic semiconductor region, wherein the first and second transistors are either both n-type or both p-type but wherein one of the first and second transistors is a normally-ON transistor and the other of the first and second transistors is a normally-OFF transistor.

Abstract: A method for forming an organic or partly organic switching device, comprising: depositing layers of conducing, semiconducting and/or insulating layers by solution processing and direct printing; defining high-resolution patterns of electroactive polymers by self-aligned formation of a surface energy barrier around a first pattern that repels the solution of a second material.