Abstract: The present invention provides devices, in particular lateral flow devices, for detecting a target analyte on a surface, in which the elements of collection and detection are integrated. The present invention also provides methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A recombinant protein having luciferase activity and at least 60% similarity to a wild-type luciferase wherein in the sequence of the enzyme, the amino acid residue corresponding to residue 357 in Photinus pyralis luciferase is mutated as compared to the corresponding wild-type luciferase, such that the luciferase enzyme is able to emit light at a different wavelength as compared to the corresponding wild-type luciferase and/or has enhanced thermostability as compared to the corresponding wild-type luciferase. In general, the residue corresponding to 357 in Photinus pyralis luciferase is changed from an acidic amino acid to a non-acidic amino acid, and preferably an uncharged polar amino acid such as tyrosine. Mutant luciferases in accordance with the invention can produce a large (50 nm) wavelength shift in emitted light and have good thermostability. The resultant colour shift can be reversed by addition of coenzyme A. These properties make the mutant particularly useful in a variety of assays.

Abstract: A recombinant protein having luciferase activity and at least 60% similarity to a wild-type luciferase wherein in the sequence of the enzyme, the amino acid residue corresponding to residue 357 in Photinus pyralis luciferase is mutated as compared to the corresponding wild-type luciferase, such that the luciferase enzyme is able to emit light at a different wavelength as compared to the corresponding wild-type luciferase and/or has enhanced thermostability as compared to the corresponding wild-type luciferase. In general, the residue corresponding to 357 in Photinus pyralis luciferase is changed from an acidic amino acid to a non-acidic amino acid and preferably an uncharged polar amino acid such as tyrosine. Mutant luciferases in accordance with the invention can produce a large (50 nm) wavelength shift in emitted light and have good thermostability. The resultant colour shift can be reversed by addition of coenzyme A. These properties make the mutant particularly useful in a variety of assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, in particular lateral flow devices, for detecting a target analyte on a surface, in which the elements of collection and detection are integrated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending the linear range of a phase detector. In one embodiment, a limited range phase difference is generated between selected edges of first and second input signals, and an excursion of the limited range phase difference beyond a predetermined threshold is detected. In response to detecting the excursion of the limited range phase difference beyond a threshold, an edge of the first or second input signal is prevented from influencing subsequent generation of the limited range phase difference, and a compensated phase difference is generated, derived from the limited range phase difference and including a correction component which compensates for the effect of preventing said edge from influencing subsequent generation of the limited range phase difference.

Abstract: A unit including a plurality of tool inserts, such as used in saw blades for use in woodworking. Each insert defines a working region and is adapted to be secured to a tool to present that region with a predetermined orientation. A body defines a plurality of discrete zones, each zone having an insert located therein such that the orientation of the working portion at each insert in the zone is the same.

Abstract: Enzymes and methods suitable for assaying ATP, and specific application for such assays are described and claimed. In particular, there is described a recombinant mutant luciferase having a mutation for example, in the amino-acid corresponding to amino acid residue number 245 in Photinus pyralis, is such that the Km for ATP of the luciferase is increased e.g. five-fold with respect to that of the corresponding non-mutated enzyme such that it is of the order of 500 &mgr;m-1 mM. Also disclosed are luciferases having additional mutations conferring improved thermostability or altered wavelength of emitted light. Recombinant polynucleotides, vectors and host cells are also disclosed, as are methods of assaying the amount of ATP in a material (e.g. cells) optionally in real-time. Also disclosed are test-kits for in vitro assays.

Abstract: Proteins are provided having luciferase activity with greater heat stability than wildtype luciferases by replacing the glutamate equivalent to that at position 354 of Photinus pyralis luciferase or 356 of Luciola luciferases with an alternative amino acid, particularly lysine. DNA, vectors and cells that encode for and express the proteins are also provided as are test kits and reagents for carrying out luminescence assays using the proteins of the invention. Preferred proteins have a second replaced amino acid at a position equivalent to position 215 of Photinus pyralis luciferase or 217 of Luciola luciferases.

Abstract: A demodulation arrangement is disclosed which comprises a mixing circuit for deriving in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) signals in a digital form from a received signal. The I and Q signals can then be input to a look-up table configured to output at least a data output value corresponding to a symbol constellation point and a corresponding phase output value, both selectable using. A phase processor is arranged to receive the phase output value and to calculate a phase angle value of the received signal. The phase angle value is returned as a further input to the look-up table to supplement the I and Q signals for selection of at least the data output value.

Abstract: A spread spectrum modulation system uses an input signal and a spreading signal for modulating the input signal. The spreading signal includes a plurality of component signals spaced apart substantially equally in frequency and with substantially equal amplitudes. Each component signal is phase encoded by either having a phase assigned by a random or pseudo-random number generator or by reference to a look-up table. Interference in the spread spectrum system is reduced by detecting, in the received signal, a channel or channels in which interference is present. The parts of the de-spreading signal corresponding to the channel or channels having interference are discarded, so as to form a modified de-spreading signal. The received spread spectrum signal is then de-spread using the modified de-spreading signal.