Abstract:
A bolometer is described. A bolometer includes a superconductor-insulator-semiconductor-superconductor structure or a superconductor-insulator-semiconductor-insulator-superconductor structure. The semiconductor comprises an electron gas in a layer of silicon, germanium or silicon-germanium alloy in which valley degeneracy is at least partially lifted. The insulator or a one or both of the insulators may comprise a layer of dielectric material. The insulator or a one or both of the insulators may comprise a layer of non-degenerately doped semiconductor.
Abstract:
The invention is in the field of pregnancy and labour. A protein has been identified which is significantly down-regulated in labour. Measuring amounts of this protein therefore allows determination of whether or not a patient is in labour. Furthermore, inhibiting this protein, or providing this protein, can be used to induce or prevent labour.
Abstract:
The invention is in the field of virology and relates to the deformed wing virus (DWV). A new strain of deformed wing virus (DWV) has been identified that is predominant in bees infested with Varroa mites. This particular strain of DWV can be used in diagnostics to identify at risk colonies. Also, inhibitors of the particular strain may be used in the treatment and/or prevention of DWV.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for synthesising tethered ruthenium catalysts and novel tethered ruthenium catalysts obtainable by this methods. The method involves carrying out an “arene swapping” reaction avoiding the requirement to use complicated techniques making use of unreliable Birch reductions and unstable cyclodienyl intermediates.
Abstract:
The invention provides a method of estimating free light chain production (FLC) in a subject comprising (i) determining an amount of FLC in a sample from the subject; and (ii) correcting the amount of FLC in the sample for FLC cleared from the source of the sample by glomerular filtration and by reticuloendothelial (RE) clearance.
Abstract:
The invention provides a method of preventing or reducing the growth of crystals in a substance which is susceptible to crystal growth in which colloidal particles having an amphiphilic structure, e.g. Janus particles, are contacted with the substance. Colloidal particles suitable for use in the invention include cross-linked, colloidal materials formed from hydrophobic monomers such as acrylates or methacrylates and hydrophilic monomers such as those derived from acrylic and/or methacrylic acid. The colloidal particles find particular use in methods of cryopreservation of biological samples (e.g. cells, tissues or organs), as a texture modifier in frozen food products, in the inhibition of gas hydrate formation, and as scale inhibitors.
Abstract:
The present invention provides, among other things, a process to produce a low molecular weight dispersant polymethacrylate polymer (“LMWDPMA”), and the LMWDPMA itself, along with the use of the LMWDPMA in a lubricating composition, as well as a method for lubricating an internal combustion engine as disclosed herein.
Abstract:
A new scanning electrochemical microscopy tip positioning method that allows topography and surface activity to be resolved independently is presented. A SECM tip is oscillated relative to the surface of interest. Changes in the oscillation amplitude, caused by the intermittent contact of the SECM tip with the surface of interest, are used to detect the surface of interest, and as a feedback signal for various types of imaging.
Abstract:
A defect centre-based sensor is disclosed. The sensor comprises instrumentation which includes a generator for causing excitation in an active element, for example a diamond, and a detector for measuring a transition in the active element. The generator is an optical source and/or the detector is an optical detector. The sensor further comprises an optical waveguide and a sensor head in communication with the source and/or the detector via the optical waveguide. The sensor head houses the active element having at least one defect centre, for example, a nitrogen vacancy, responsive to an applied magnetic field, electric field or temperature and a signal delivery arrangement, for example at least one lens, arranged to optically couple the optical waveguide to the active element.
Abstract:
An embodiment provides a method for modifying a carbon region on a boron-doped diamond electrode surface, comprising: placing a boron-doped diamond electrode surface in an aqueous solution, wherein the aqueous solution comprises an ionic treatment solution; applying a voltage difference across the boron-doped diamond electrode surface; and modifying a carbon region on an area of the boron-doped diamond electrode surface, wherein the modifying is responsive to application of the voltage while the boron-doped diamond electrode surface is in the aqueous solution, wherein the modification continues until a desired signal of the carbon region is reached. Other aspects are described and claimed.