Abstract

A computer-implemented method of processing magnetic resonance (MR) imaging data comprises receiving MR imaging data for a region of interest in a body of a human or animal subject, inputting the MR imaging data to a trained machine learning model, operating the trained machine learning model to generate location data representative of a probability of cancer at a location in the region of interest, and processing the location data to generate a human-readable image of the region of interest indicative of the probability of cancer at the location.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06T 7/00 - Image analysis

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel medical use of glucagon, and other compounds with glucagon activity, as vasodilators, to assist in the delivery of therapeutic agents or in the operation of sensor devices which determine the level of analytes in the blood. In particular, the compound is administered in temporal coordination with the active agent and/or in conjunction with determination of the analyte by a bodily sensor, and at a site which is in the vicinity of the site of administration of the active agent and/or of the site(s) of sensing of the analyte by the bodily sensor. This includes in particular the delivery of insulin in the treatment of diabetes, and the determination of blood glucose levels by glucose sensors. Also provided herein are integrated systems for performing the medical uses and therapies.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61M 5/172 - Means for controlling media flow to the body or for metering media to the body, e.g. drip meters, counters electrical or electronic
• A61B 5/145 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration or pH-value
• A61B 5/1486 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration or pH-value using chemical or electrochemical methods, e.g. by polarographic means using enzyme electrodes, e.g. with immobilised oxidase
• A61K 38/26 - Glucagons
• A61K 38/28 - Insulins

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for monitoring a manually- actuated surgical intervention device, which in a particular embodiment is a cryogenic surgical intervention device (1). The method comprises: using a detection system (100) to contactlessly detect a state (7) of an element (3) of a medical device (1), determining an actuation status of the medical device (1) based on the contactlessly detected state (7) of the element (3), and calculating a duration of actuation of the medical device and/or a degree of actuation of the medical device (1) based on the determined actuation status to estimate an effect of the medical device (1). Other statuses of the medical device (1) may additionally or alternatively be determined based on the contactlessly detected state (7) of the element (3).

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 18/02 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by cooling, e.g. cryogenic techniques
• A61B 18/14 - Probes or electrodes therefor
• A61B 90/98 - Identification means for patients or instruments, e.g. tags using electromagnetic means, e.g. transponders
• A61B 18/00 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
• A61B 34/20 - Surgical navigation systemsDevices for tracking or guiding surgical instruments, e.g. for frameless stereotaxis
• A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges

Abstract

The present invention relates to a digital bearing device (1) for a maritime command and control centre (2). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for assisting the operation of a maritime command and control centre. Additionally, the invention relates to a method for calibrating a digital bearing device (1) to a maritime command and control centre.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01C 21/20 - Instruments for performing navigational calculations

Abstract

A moisture swing sorption process for capturing carbon dioxide from a gaseous mixture comprising carbon dioxide, the process comprising: (i) contacting the gaseous mixture with a cation-exchange material such that carbon dioxide in the gaseous mixture is sorbed by the cation-exchange material; and (ii) desorbing the carbon dioxide from the cation-exchange material by adding water; and optionally (iii) repeating steps (i) and (ii).

IPC Classes  ?

• B01D 53/02 - Separation of gases or vapoursRecovering vapours of volatile solvents from gasesChemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography
• B01D 53/04 - Separation of gases or vapoursRecovering vapours of volatile solvents from gasesChemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography with stationary adsorbents

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods and products for analysing chromatin, e.g. mapping chromatin interactions. In particular, the invention provides a coated magnetic nanoparticle coupled to a plurality of chimeric molecules, wherein each chimeric molecule comprises: (i) a ligand-binding domain; and (ii) a nuclease or a transposase, wherein the ligand-binding domain binds directly or indirectly to a chromatin-associated feature and the use of thereof to release and capture DNA for sequencing and analysis.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12Q 1/6804 - Nucleic acid analysis using immunogens

Abstract

Profiling circuitry for a processor includes state-determining circuitry that is configured to access information stored by the processor for committing inflight instructions in program order, and to use this information to determine a commit state of the processor. The profiling circuitry also has sampling circuitry which is configured, when the processor is in a first commit state, to output sample data to a sample register or a memory that identifies one or more instructions that are next to be committed by the processor, and, when the processor is in a second commit state, to output sample data to the sample register or memory that identifies an instruction that was last committed by the processor.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 9/38 - Concurrent instruction execution, e.g. pipeline or look ahead
• G06F 9/30 - Arrangements for executing machine instructions, e.g. instruction decode

Abstract

A processing system has a processor and profiling circuitry. The processor is configured to commit instructions in a program order, and comprises circuitry for determining and storing performance-event data for each instruction committed by the processor. The performance-event data for each instruction indicates whether the instruction experiences any of a predetermined set of one or more performance events. The profiling circuitry generates sample data at intervals, and writes the sample data to a sample register or memory. The sample data generated at each interval identifies one or more instructions that are next-to-be committed by the processor or one or more instructions that were last committed by the processor, and comprises the respective performance-event data for each of the identified instructions.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 9/38 - Concurrent instruction execution, e.g. pipeline or look ahead
• G06F 11/34 - Recording or statistical evaluation of computer activity, e.g. of down time, of input/output operation

Abstract

A method of fault detection in synchronous machines includes using at least one sensor to determine parameters linked to the magnetic field generated within the synchronous machine including parameters based on one or more of magnetic field strength, rotor current or voltage, stator current or voltage, and vibration. The sensor measurements are processed to identify data artefacts linked to the magnetic field, wherein the processing includes one or more signal processing techniques based on time, frequency, and both time and frequency. Subsequently, the output of the signal processing is analysed in order to identify and categorise irregularities in the magnetic field that are indicative of a fault in the synchronous machine. The analysing step includes recognising patterns in the processed sensor measurements, via use of computer aided pattern recognition techniques such as via machine learning algorithms.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01R 31/34 - Testing dynamo-electric machines

Abstract

A diblock polymer comprising a first component covalently bound via a linker to a second component; wherein said first component is an oligomer comprising at least 50 mol % L-guluronic acid residues and having a degree of polymerisation n where n is at least 3; said second component is a polymer having no more than 30 mol % L-guluronic acid residues and having a degree of polymerisation m; wherein 9n>=m>=n/2.

IPC Classes  ?

• C08G 81/00 - Macromolecular compounds obtained by interreacting polymers in the absence of monomers, e.g. block polymers
• B82Y 5/00 - Nanobiotechnology or nanomedicine, e.g. protein engineering or drug delivery
• C08J 3/12 - Powdering or granulating
• C08L 5/02 - DextranDerivatives thereof
• C08L 5/04 - Alginic acidDerivatives thereof

Abstract

A lithium sulphur battery comprising (i) a Li anode, (ii) a separator between the anode and cathode, (iii) a Li-containing electrolyte; and (iv) a sulphur-containing cathode; wherein the separator comprises a porous substrate carrying a metal-organic framework comprising at least two different metal ions one of which is an iron ion.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 4/36 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids
• H01M 4/58 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of inorganic compounds other than oxides or hydroxides, e.g. sulfides, selenides, tellurides, halogenides or LiCoFySelection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of polyanionic structures, e.g. phosphates, silicates or borates
• H01M 10/052 - Li-accumulators
• H01M 50/417 - Polyolefins
• H01M 50/431 - Inorganic material
• H01M 50/44 - Fibrous material
• H01M 4/38 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of elements or alloys
• H01M 50/403 - Manufacturing processes of separators, membranes or diaphragms
• H01M 50/449 - Separators, membranes or diaphragms characterised by the material having a layered structure
• H01M 50/451 - Separators, membranes or diaphragms characterised by the material having a layered structure comprising layers of only organic material and layers containing inorganic material
• H01M 50/491 - Porosity
• H01M 4/133 - Electrodes based on carbonaceous material, e.g. graphite-intercalation compounds or CFx
• H01M 4/136 - Electrodes based on inorganic compounds other than oxides or hydroxides, e.g. sulfides, selenides, tellurides, halogenides or LiCoFy

Abstract

A process for the preparation of a cathode material for a Li-S battery, said process comprising (i) nucleating metal ions on a graphene oxide or reduced graphene oxide sheet such that the metal ions are chemically bound to the basal plane of the graphene oxide or reduced graphene oxide sheet; (ii) subsequently, growing a metal-organic framework comprising said chemically bound metal ions by adding to the product of step (i) a polyfunctional ligand and optionally heating the resulting mixture to a temperature of at least 20ºC, such as 100 to 250ºC so as to form a metal organic framework bound to a reduced graphene oxide sheet (MOF@rGO); (iii) infusing elemental sulphur into the metal organic framework to form S- MOF@rGO such that the weight of sulphur based on the weight of the S-MOF@rGO is 50% to 90%.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 4/36 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids
• H01M 4/58 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of inorganic compounds other than oxides or hydroxides, e.g. sulfides, selenides, tellurides, halogenides or LiCoFySelection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of polyanionic structures, e.g. phosphates, silicates or borates
• H01M 10/052 - Li-accumulators
• H01M 50/417 - Polyolefins
• H01M 50/431 - Inorganic material
• H01M 50/44 - Fibrous material
• H01M 4/133 - Electrodes based on carbonaceous material, e.g. graphite-intercalation compounds or CFx
• H01M 4/136 - Electrodes based on inorganic compounds other than oxides or hydroxides, e.g. sulfides, selenides, tellurides, halogenides or LiCoFy
• H01M 4/38 - Selection of substances as active materials, active masses, active liquids of elements or alloys
• H01M 50/449 - Separators, membranes or diaphragms characterised by the material having a layered structure
• H01M 50/451 - Separators, membranes or diaphragms characterised by the material having a layered structure comprising layers of only organic material and layers containing inorganic material

Abstract

A device for interventions within the body, the device comprising: an end piece 6 for insertion into the body at a distal end thereof, the end piece 6 including a rigid lumen for holding an instrument 10 and guiding the instrument 10 to the distal end of the end piece; and a body section 4 supporting the lumen and being rigidly connected thereto, the body section including a navigation array 14 for guidance of the device using a surgical navigation system and/or including an anchor point 20 for a standard navigation array.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
• A61B 10/02 - Instruments for taking cell samples or for biopsy
• A61B 17/34 - TrocarsPuncturing needles
• A61K 9/00 - Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
• A61K 38/48 - Hydrolases (3) acting on peptide bonds (3.4)
• A61M 5/20 - Automatic syringes, e.g. with automatically actuated piston rod, with automatic needle injection, filling automatically
• A61M 5/24 - Ampoule syringes, i.e. syringes with needle for use in combination with replaceable ampoules or cartridges, e.g. automatic
• A61M 5/28 - Syringe ampoules or cartridges, i.e. ampoules or cartridges provided with a needle
• A61M 5/32 - NeedlesDetails of needles pertaining to their connection with syringe or hubAccessories for bringing the needle into, or holding the needle on, the bodyDevices for protection of needles
• A61N 1/372 - Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
• A61P 25/06 - Antimigraine agents
• A61P 27/02 - Ophthalmic agents
• A61B 17/00 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods
• A61B 34/20 - Surgical navigation systemsDevices for tracking or guiding surgical instruments, e.g. for frameless stereotaxis
• A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges

Abstract

The present invention relates to new pyrrolopyrimidines and purines which surprisingly act as CSF-1R inhibitors, to processes for making these compounds, and to uses thereof.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61P 19/00 - Drugs for skeletal disorders
• A61P 25/00 - Drugs for disorders of the nervous system
• A61P 29/00 - Non-central analgesic, antipyretic or antiinflammatory agents, e.g. antirheumatic agentsNon-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs [NSAID]
• A61P 35/00 - Antineoplastic agents
• C07D 473/00 - Heterocyclic compounds containing purine ring systems
• C07D 487/04 - Ortho-condensed systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to new pyrrolopyrimidines and purines which surprisingly act as CSF-1R inhibitors, to processes for making these compounds, and to uses thereof.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61P 19/00 - Drugs for skeletal disorders
• A61P 25/00 - Drugs for disorders of the nervous system
• A61P 29/00 - Non-central analgesic, antipyretic or antiinflammatory agents, e.g. antirheumatic agentsNon-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs [NSAID]
• A61P 35/00 - Antineoplastic agents
• C07D 473/00 - Heterocyclic compounds containing purine ring systems
• C07D 487/04 - Ortho-condensed systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to products and methods for the treatment and/or prevention of neurological disorders characterized by neurodegeneration. More particularly, the invention provides a product comprising: (i) a Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor (e.g. fasudil) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and (ii) a farnesyltransferase inhibitor (e.g. lonafarnib) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; for use in treating or preventing a neurological disorder characterized by neurodegeneration in a subject.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 31/551 - Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins having seven-membered rings, e.g. azelastine, pentylenetetrazole having two nitrogens as ring hetero atoms, e.g. clozapine, dilazep
• A61K 31/4545 - Non-condensed piperidines, e.g. piperocaine containing further heterocyclic ring systems containing a six-membered ring with nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. pipamperone, anabasine
• A61K 49/00 - Preparations for testing in vivo
• A61P 25/28 - Drugs for disorders of the nervous system for treating neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system, e.g. nootropic agents, cognition enhancers, drugs for treating Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia

Abstract

The present invention relates to products and methods for the treatment and/or prevention of neurological disorders characterized by neurodegeneration. More particularly, the invention provides a product comprising: (i) a Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor (e.g. fasudil) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and (ii) a farnesyltransferase inhibitor (e.g. lonafarnib) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; for use in treating or preventing a neurological disorder characterized by neurodegeneration in a subject.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 31/4545 - Non-condensed piperidines, e.g. piperocaine containing further heterocyclic ring systems containing a six-membered ring with nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. pipamperone, anabasine
• A61K 31/551 - Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins having seven-membered rings, e.g. azelastine, pentylenetetrazole having two nitrogens as ring hetero atoms, e.g. clozapine, dilazep
• A61K 45/06 - Mixtures of active ingredients without chemical characterisation, e.g. antiphlogistics and cardiaca
• A61P 25/00 - Drugs for disorders of the nervous system

Abstract

A method of fault detection in a synchronous machine is provided. The method comprises: using at least one sensor to determine a measure of a stray magnetic field generated by the synchronous machine; processing the determined measure in order to obtain a frequency spectrum for the stray magnetic field; analysing the frequency spectrum for the stray magnetic field in order to identify a predetermined pattern, characteristic of one or more fault conditions, within the frequency spectrum; and determining one or more faults within the synchronous machine based on identifying the pattern.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01R 31/34 - Testing dynamo-electric machines

Abstract

A method of targeting a nerve in a head, neck or back of a patient (2) using a surgical navigation system (1). The method comprises: providing a cryogenic surgical intervention device (11), wherein the cryogenic surgical intervention device (11) is adapted to cryoneurolyse the nerve (2); detecting, using a detector (5) of the surgical navigation system (1), a position of the intervention device (11); reconciling, using a computer processor of the surgical navigation system (1), an MRI image of the anatomy of the patient (2) showing the nerve; determining and tracking, using the computer processor, a position of the intervention device (11) relative to the nerve; and displaying, using a display (3) of the surgical navigation system (1), the position of the intervention device (11) relative to the nerve; wherein the displayed position permits an interventionist to direct the intervention device (11) to the nerve such that said nerve can be cryoneurolysed.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 34/20 - Surgical navigation systemsDevices for tracking or guiding surgical instruments, e.g. for frameless stereotaxis

Abstract

A composition of matter comprising a doped substrate a mask layer having a thickness of 2 nm or less on top of said substrate wherein a plurality of openings are present through said mask layer; and wherein a plurality of nanowires or nanopyramids are grown from said substrate in said openings, said nanowires or nanopyramids comprising at least one semiconducting group lll-V compound.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01L 33/00 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof
• H01L 33/04 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a quantum effect structure or superlattice, e.g. tunnel junction
• H01L 33/08 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a plurality of light emitting regions, e.g. laterally discontinuous light emitting layer or photoluminescent region integrated within the semiconductor body
• H01L 21/02 - Manufacture or treatment of semiconductor devices or of parts thereof

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a solid sorbent for use in a carbon dioxide capture process, the sorbent comprising a solid sorbent support that comprises pores; and secondary amines that are covalently attached to the solid sorbent support, wherein the secondary amines are confined inside the pores of the solid sorbent support and are present at a density that is greater than 4 amine groups/nm2. Also disclosed herein is a method of preparing the solid sorbent of the invention, a method for the regeneration of the solid sorbent of the invention, the use of the solid sorbent in the adsorption of carbon dioxide, and the use of the solid sorbent in a carbon dioxide capture process that employs temperature swing adsorption with carbon dioxide purge as a desorption strategy.

IPC Classes  ?

• B01J 20/10 - Solid sorbent compositions or filter aid compositionsSorbents for chromatographyProcesses for preparing, regenerating or reactivating thereof comprising inorganic material comprising silica or silicate
• B01D 53/04 - Separation of gases or vapoursRecovering vapours of volatile solvents from gasesChemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography with stationary adsorbents
• B01J 20/28 - Solid sorbent compositions or filter aid compositionsSorbents for chromatographyProcesses for preparing, regenerating or reactivating thereof characterised by their form or physical properties
• B01J 20/32 - Impregnating or coating
• B01J 20/34 - Regenerating or reactivating

Abstract

A connection, a kit of parts, a modular building and associated methods. The connection comprising: a first timber member; a first connector assembly associated with the first timber member, the first connector assembly comprising: a plurality of elongate anchor members, each anchor member comprising a first end extending into and fixed with respect to the first timber member; and a second end protruding from the first timber member, wherein each of the anchor members defines a hole perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the anchor member for receiving a bolt; the connection further comprising: a plate connected or connectable to a second member, the plate defining at least one hole for receiving a bolt; at least one plurality of bolts, the or each bolt configured to extend through at least one of the anchor members and plate; wherein for the or each bolt, at least one of the corresponding anchor member hole or plate hole is oversized so as to receive the corresponding bolt with a clearance fit; and the or each bolt is configured to clamp the plate and anchor member such that relative movement of the plate and first connector assembly is resisted by friction caused by the clamping force provided by the plurality of bolts. Figure 1A is to published with the abstract.

IPC Classes  ?

• E04B 1/26 - Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons the supporting parts consisting of wood
• E04B 1/30 - Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons the supporting parts being composed of two or more materialsComposite steel and concrete constructions
• E04B 1/24 - Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons the supporting parts consisting of metal

Abstract

A computer-implemented method (10, 50, 100, 130) of processing magnetic resonance (MR) imaging data (112, 114, 116, 142) comprises receiving MR imaging data (112, 114, 116, 142) for a region of interest in a body of a human or animal subject, inputting the MR imaging data (112, 114, 116, 142) to a trained machine learning model, operating the trained machine learning model to generate location data representative of a probability of cancer at a location in the region of interest, and processing the location data to generate a human-readable image (22, 24, 26, 28, 118, 120, 152) of the region of interest indicative of the probability of cancer at the location.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06T 7/00 - Image analysis
• G06T 7/11 - Region-based segmentation

Abstract

A smectite or vermiculite clay mineral in the form of a powder and having a plurality of layers wherein each layer comprises one octahedral type sheet sandwiched between two tetrahedral type sheets; wherein at least every other layer of said clay mineral comprises a hydroxide species comprising a cation selected from the group consisting of Ni, Mg, Fe, Mn or Zn.

IPC Classes  ?

• B01J 20/12 - Naturally occurring clays or bleaching earth
• B01J 20/32 - Impregnating or coating

Abstract

A method and associated systems and computer program products for detecting features in geological formations. The method comprises receiving or retrieving a plurality of reflected acoustic signals, wherein the plurality of reflected acoustic signals comprise reflections of corresponding acoustic signals emitted ahead of a drill bit. The method further comprises determining at least one difference between reflected acoustic signals of the plurality of the reflected acoustic signals that are reflections of acoustic signals emitted at different times and/or at different locations of the drill bit, or a metric dependent thereon. The method further comprises identifying the feature in the geological formation based on the at least one difference between the reflected acoustic signals or the metric that is dependent thereon.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01V 1/48 - Processing data

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for the production of asymmetric cellulose hollow fibres and the use of such fibres in the production of asymmetric carbon hollow fibre membranes (CHFMs). In particular, the present invention provides a facile and scalable process for the preparation of asymmetric CHFMs by direct pyrolysis of polymeric precursors without the need for complex pre-pyrolysis treatment steps to prevent pore collapse. The present invention also relates to the use of asymmetric CHFMs prepared according to said process in the separation of hydrogen gas from a mixed gas source, especially in the separation of hydrogen from CO2 in the steam-methane reforming reaction.

IPC Classes  ?

• B01D 71/02 - Inorganic material
• D01F 2/02 - Monocomponent artificial filaments or the like of cellulose or cellulose derivativesManufacture thereof from solutions of cellulose in acids, bases, or salts
• D01D 5/24 - Formation of filaments, threads, or the like with a hollow structureSpinnerette packs therefor
• D01F 9/16 - Carbon filamentsApparatus specially adapted for the manufacture thereof by decomposition of organic filaments from products of vegetable origin or derivatives thereof, e.g. from cellulose acetat
• D01D 5/06 - Wet spinning methods
• B01D 53/22 - Separation of gases or vapoursRecovering vapours of volatile solvents from gasesChemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by diffusion
• B01D 69/02 - Semi-permeable membranes for separation processes or apparatus characterised by their form, structure or propertiesManufacturing processes specially adapted therefor characterised by their properties
• B01D 69/08 - Hollow fibre membranes
• B01D 67/00 - Processes specially adapted for manufacturing semi-permeable membranes for separation processes or apparatus

Abstract

The disclosure relates to saRNAs useful in upregulating the expression of a target gene and therapeutic compositions comprising the saRNAs, wherein the target gene is PAX6. Methods of using the saRNAs and the therapeutic compositions are also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12N 15/113 - Non-coding nucleic acids modulating the expression of genes, e.g. antisense oligonucleotides
• A61K 31/713 - Double-stranded nucleic acids or oligonucleotides

Abstract

A biofeedback system for headache patients comprises: a sensor system (2) for obtaining and transmitting data indicative of a plurality of physiological parameters of the patient, a personal computing device (4) arranged to receive data from the sensor system (2) and to interact with the patient via a user interface of the personal computing device (4), and a computer-implemented biofeedback agent (6). The sensor system (2) is configured for measurement of the physiological parameters of the patient, wherein the physiological parameters include at least two of muscle tension, body temperature, heart rate and heart rate variability. The personal computing device (4) together with the biofeedback agent (6) are configured to carry out the following steps: obtain data indicative of the physiological parameters from the sensor system (2); instruct the patient to control the physiological parameters; determine baseline levels for each of the physiological parameters; derive a score for each of the physiological parameters relative to the baseline levels, wherein the score increases in reaction to control of the respective physiological parameter; and use a weighting system to determine a weighting for the score associated with each of the physiological parameters and present a total score to the patient via the user interface, the total score consisting of a combination of the weighted scores, wherein the weighting system gives a higher weighting to the score for the physiological parameter that the patient most successfully controls and a lower weighting to the score for the physiological parameter that the patient least successfully controls.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons

Abstract

The present invention thus provides a novel family of liposomal compositions (nanocarriers), hereinafter referred to as Tetra-Acidosomes, comprising natural tetrameric acid (TA) lipids and/or novel chemically functionalized tetrameric acid (CFTA) lipids, for drug delivery applications.

IPC Classes  ?

• C07C 31/27 - Polyhydroxylic alcohols containing saturated rings
• C07C 55/26 - Saturated compounds having more than one carboxyl group bound to acyclic carbon atoms containing rings
• C07C 69/60 - Maleic acid estersFumaric acid esters
• C07D 249/04 - 1,2,3-TriazolesHydrogenated 1,2,3-triazoles
• A61K 47/14 - Esters of carboxylic acids, e.g. fatty acid monoglycerides, medium-chain triglycerides, parabens or PEG fatty acid esters
• A61K 47/50 - Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additivesTargeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient the non-active ingredient being chemically bound to the active ingredient, e.g. polymer-drug conjugates
• A61K 9/127 - Synthetic bilayered vehicles, e.g. liposomes or liposomes with cholesterol as the only non-phosphatidyl surfactant
• A61P 1/00 - Drugs for disorders of the alimentary tract or the digestive system
• C07C 219/10 - Compounds containing amino and esterified hydroxy groups bound to the same carbon skeleton having esterified hydroxy groups and amino groups bound to acyclic carbon atoms of the same carbon skeleton the carbon skeleton being acyclic and saturated having at least one of the hydroxy groups esterified by a carboxylic acid having the esterifying carboxyl group bound to an acyclic carbon atom of a carbon skeleton containing rings
• C07C 69/608 - Esters of carboxylic acids having a carboxyl group bound to an acyclic carbon atom and having a ring other than a six-membered aromatic ring in the acid moiety

Abstract

A first part (1a) of a joint for joining pre-cast driven geothermal pile segments (7a) comprises a cap (3) having an end plate (5) and a peripheral wall (6) extending from a periphery of the end plate (5), the end plate (5) and peripheral wall (6) defining a volume; and at least two apertures (35) passing through the cap (3), wherein each aperture (35) provides a passage from an inside of the cap (3) to an outside of the cap (3); and wherein each aperture (35) is provided within a recess in the peripheral wall such that each aperture is thereby recessed within the volume defined by the end plate (5) and the peripheral wall (6). The apertures (35) being recessed ensures that they, and any fluid connection made thereat, are shielded from any damage and the harsh forces involved in the installation of the driven pile segments.

IPC Classes  ?

• E02D 5/52 - Piles composed of separable parts, e.g. telescopic tubes
• F24T 10/10 - Geothermal collectors with circulation of working fluids through underground channels, the working fluids not coming into direct contact with the ground

Abstract

A process for the production of a geometrically predefined amorphous carbon structure, comprising: i) forming a geometrically predefined polymeric precursor structure; and ii) pyrolysing said geometrically predefined polymeric precursor structure so as to form said geometrically predefined amorphous carbon structure; wherein step i) comprises forming a geometrically predefined polymeric precursor structure on a substrate, said geometrically predefined structure comprising an at least partially cured photopolymer; and wherein the step ii) of pyrolysing said geometrically predefined polymeric precursor structure comprises: (a) holding the geometrically predefined polymeric precursor structure at a temperature in the range of 200°C to 400°C for a period of between 1 hour and 40 hours, preferably 5 hours to 20 hours; and (b) subsequently pyrolysing said geometrically predefined polymeric precursor structure at a temperature of 700°C to 1200°C.

IPC Classes  ?

• C04B 35/524 - Shaped ceramic products characterised by their compositionCeramic compositionsProcessing powders of inorganic compounds preparatory to the manufacturing of ceramic products based on non-oxides based on carbon, e.g. graphite obtained from polymer precursors, e.g. glass-like carbon material
• B33Y 10/00 - Processes of additive manufacturing
• B33Y 70/00 - Materials specially adapted for additive manufacturing
• C04B 35/626 - Preparing or treating the powders individually or as batches

Abstract

A collision avoidance system for a marine vessel comprises: a tracker unit configured to track target vessels within an area around the marine vessel by determining a position and velocity of the tracked target vessels; an encounter determination unit configured to determine an encounter type associated with each target vessel based on its position and velocity; a manoeuvrable space determination unit configured to determine the manoeuvrable space around each target vessel, wherein the manoeuvrable space depends on a distance between the target vessel and a static object; a target vessel domain determination unit configured to use the determined encounter type and manoeuvrable space around each target vessel to determine a domain of the target vessel within which the marine vessel cannot pass to avoid collision.

IPC Classes  ?

• G08G 3/02 - Anti-collision systems

Abstract

An optical sensing apparatus is provided comprising: an input interface for receiving input light into the optical sensing apparatus; an input waveguide and a reference waveguide, both arranged to receive input light from the input interface; a closed loop resonator, wherein the input waveguide is optically coupled to the closed loop resonator at an input point for introducing input light to the closed loop resonator; a sample region, adjacent the closed loop resonator, for receiving a sample such that evanescent coupling can occur between light in the closed loop resonator and the sample; a drop-port waveguide, optically coupled to the closed loop resonator at a drop point for receiving dropped light from the closed loop resonator; an output waveguide; and an output interface. The reference waveguide and the drop-port waveguide are arranged to direct interfering light through the output waveguide to produce an output signal at the output interface.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 21/77 - Systems in which material is subjected to a chemical reaction, the progress or the result of the reaction being investigated by observing the effect on a chemical indicator
• G01N 21/39 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using tunable lasers
• G01N 21/45 - RefractivityPhase-affecting properties, e.g. optical path length using interferometric methodsRefractivityPhase-affecting properties, e.g. optical path length using Schlieren methods
• B01L 3/00 - Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glasswareDroppers

Abstract

A process for the production of at least one decorated clay mineral nanosheet, the process comprising: a) providing at least one double-layer clay mineral nanosheet comprising a first nanolayer having an inner surface and an outer surface, a second nanolayer having an inner and an outer surface, the second nanolayer being the same or different from the first nanolayer, and an interlayer disposed between the inner surface of the first nanolayer and the inner surface of the second nanolayer; the interlayer comprising a plurality of cations; b) decorating the outer surface of the first nanolayer and the outer surface of the second nanolayer with a plurality of nanoparticles, 2D nanosheets, such as graphene sheets, or 1D structures such as nanowires or nanotubes to form at least one double-layer decorated clay mineral nanosheet; c) optionally cleaving at least one double-layer decorated clay mineral nanosheet to form at least one single-layer decorated clay mineral nanosheet; wherein said single-layer nanosheet is decorated with said nanoparticles, 2D nanosheets, or 1D structures on one side only.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01F 1/00 - Magnets or magnetic bodies characterised by the magnetic materials thereforSelection of materials for their magnetic properties
• C01B 32/194 - After-treatment

Abstract

The invention provides profiling circuitry (52) for a processor (51). The profiling circuitry (52) has state-determining circuitry (56, 57) which is configured to access information stored by the processor (51) for committing inflight instructions in program order, and to use this information to determine a commit state of the processor (51). The profiling circuitry (52) also has sampling circuitry (56, 57) which is configured, when the processor (51) is in a first commit state, to output sample data to a sample register (58) or a memory that identifies one or more instructions that are next to be committed by the processor (51), and, when the processor (51) is in a second commit state, to output sample data to the sample register (58) or memory that identifies an instruction that was last committed by the processor (51).

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 11/34 - Recording or statistical evaluation of computer activity, e.g. of down time, of input/output operation
• G06F 11/30 - Monitoring

Abstract

A method of determining permeability anisotropy in a formation comprising receiving pressures or a pressure profile determined by at least two probe arrangements comprising at least one pressure sensor arrangement, each probe arrangement configured to receive fluid from the formation, and the at least one pressure sensor arrangement configured to measure the pressure of fluid received by the at least two probe arrangements, wherein at least one of the probe arrangements is shaped and/or sized to have a different angular coverage to at least one other of the probe arrangements; receiving or calculating flow rates of fluid received by the inlet of each probe arrangement; and calculating permeability anisotropy for the formation depth using the pressures or pressure profiles collected by the at least two probe arrangements at that formation depth and the flow rates; and an apparatus for doing the same comprising the at least two probe arrangements, each probe arrangement comprising an inlet having a different area.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 49/08 - Obtaining fluid samples or testing fluids, in boreholes or wells
• E21B 49/10 - Obtaining fluid samples or testing fluids, in boreholes or wells using side-wall fluid samplers or testers

Abstract

Methods and systems are disclosed for hands-free operation of a head-mounted device using a nasal input signal. The method comprises receiving a signal from a sensor, where the signal comprises a nasal electromyography (EMG) component representing an activity of a nasalis muscle. Preferably, the signal represents a voltage over the nasalis muscle. The method further comprises providing the signal to an input of a neural network, the neural network being trained to classify the input signal into one of a plurality of predefined categories, each category corresponding to a gesture associated with a control command; and operating the head-mounted device based on the control command associated with the determined gesture.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer

Abstract

A diblock polymer comprising a first component covalently bound via a linker to a second component; wherein said first component is an oligomer comprising at least 50 mol% L-guluronic acid residues and having a degree of polymerisation n where n is at least 3; said second component is a polymer having no more than 30 mol% L- guluronic acid residues and having a degree of polymerisation m; wherein 9n >= m >= n/2.

IPC Classes  ?

• C08B 37/00 - Preparation of polysaccharides not provided for in groups Derivatives thereof
• C08L 5/04 - Alginic acidDerivatives thereof
• A61K 47/36 - PolysaccharidesDerivatives thereof, e.g. gums, starch, alginate, dextrin, hyaluronic acid, chitosan, inulin, agar or pectin

Abstract

A composite membrane suitable for separating a gas from a gas mixture comprising a selective layer coated on a support, wherein said selective layer comprises: a) a polymeric matrix comprising an amine polymer; b) a graphene oxide nanofiller; and c) a mobile carrier selected from an ionic liquid or an amino acid salt.

IPC Classes  ?

• B01D 69/14 - Dynamic membranes
• B01D 53/22 - Separation of gases or vapoursRecovering vapours of volatile solvents from gasesChemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by diffusion
• B01D 67/00 - Processes specially adapted for manufacturing semi-permeable membranes for separation processes or apparatus
• B01D 69/02 - Semi-permeable membranes for separation processes or apparatus characterised by their form, structure or propertiesManufacturing processes specially adapted therefor characterised by their properties
• B01D 69/06 - Flat membranes
• B01D 69/08 - Hollow fibre membranes
• B01D 69/10 - Supported membranesMembrane supports
• B01D 69/12 - Composite membranesUltra-thin membranes
• B01D 71/02 - Inorganic material
• B01D 71/26 - Polyalkenes
• B01D 71/60 - Polyamines
• C10L 3/10 - Working-up natural gas or synthetic natural gas

Abstract

A soft gel capsule comprising a gel shell encapsulating a core water-in-oil emulsion, said water-in-oil emulsion comprising a continuous phase and a disperse phase, said water-in-oil emulsion comprising at least 5 wt% water and at least one active component; wherein the continuous phase of the water-in-oil emulsion is a solid at a temperature of 23ºC or less and melts at a temperature of between 23 and 37 ºC.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 9/107 - Emulsions
• A61K 9/48 - Preparations in capsules, e.g. of gelatin, of chocolate
• A61K 36/00 - Medicinal preparations of undetermined constitution containing material from algae, lichens, fungi or plants, or derivatives thereof, e.g. traditional herbal medicines

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel medical use of glucagon, and other compounds with glucagon activity, as vasodilators, to assist in the delivery of therapeutic agents or in the operation of sensor devices which determine the level of analytes in the blood. In particular, the compound is administered in temporal coordination with the active agent and/or in conjunction with determination of the analyte by a bodily sensor, and at a site which is in the vicinity of the site of administration of the active agent and/or of the site(s) of sensing of the analyte by the bodily sensor. This includes in particular the delivery of insulin in the treatment of diabetes, and the determination of blood glucose levels by glucose sensors. Also provided herein are integrated systems for performing the medical uses and therapies.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 38/26 - Glucagons
• A61K 38/28 - Insulins
• A61P 3/10 - Drugs for disorders of the metabolism for glucose homeostasis for hyperglycaemia, e.g. antidiabetics
• A61P 5/50 - Drugs for disorders of the endocrine system of the pancreatic hormones for increasing or potentiating the activity of insulin
• A61B 5/145 - Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration or pH-value
• A61M 5/172 - Means for controlling media flow to the body or for metering media to the body, e.g. drip meters, counters electrical or electronic
• A61M 31/00 - Devices for introducing or retaining media, e.g. remedies, in cavities of the body

Abstract

Spin Texture Storage Device The present invention relates to a spin texture storage device (100) comprising a closed-loop storage track (110) comprising electric conductive and ferromagnetic material and having a track length, a track width (w) and a track height (h), the track width (w) being at most 2 µm and the track height (h) being at most 2 µm, an accelerator segment (120) having at least one electrode (121, 122) connected to the storage track (110) so that electric current (I) can be caused to flow along the storage track (110) through an accelerator section (123) having an accelerator section length (LA), the accelerator section length (LA) being less than half of the track length.

IPC Classes  ?

• G11C 11/16 - Digital stores characterised by the use of particular electric or magnetic storage elementsStorage elements therefor using magnetic elements using elements in which the storage effect is based on magnetic spin effect
• G11C 19/08 - Digital stores in which the information is moved stepwise, e.g. shift registers using magnetic elements using thin films in plane structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to the production of bacteriocins, and in particular the production of bacteriocins of class I or II by recombinant expression in coryneform bacteria as the bacterial cell host. Also provided are modified coryneform bacteria for use as production hosts for production of bacteriocins.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61P 31/04 - Antibacterial agents
• A61K 35/74 - Bacteria
• C12N 1/00 - Microorganisms, e.g. protozoaCompositions thereofProcesses of propagating, maintaining or preserving microorganisms or compositions thereofProcesses of preparing or isolating a composition containing a microorganismCulture media therefor

Abstract

An ultrasound phantom comprising a hydrocarbon gel layer encased in a silicone sleeve, said hydrocarbon gel being doped with inorganic powder.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 9/00 - Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
• A61K 47/06 - Organic compounds, e.g. natural or synthetic hydrocarbons, polyolefins, mineral oil, petrolatum or ozokerite

Abstract

1-102-201-201-20 hydrocarbylene group optionally comprising 1 to 6 heteroatoms or a linking group comprising one or more alkylene glycol or ethylene diamine groups; n is 12 to 100; and m is 2 to 1000.

IPC Classes  ?

• C08G 77/452 - Block- or graft-polymers containing polysiloxane sequences containing nitrogen-containing sequences
• C08G 77/458 - Block- or graft-polymers containing polysiloxane sequences containing nitrogen-containing sequences containing polyurethane sequences
• C08K 5/17 - AminesQuaternary ammonium compounds
• C08K 5/29 - Compounds containing carbon-to-nitrogen double bonds
• C08L 83/10 - Block- or graft-copolymers containing polysiloxane sequences

Abstract

A composition of matter comprising: a graphene layer carried directly on a sapphire, Si, SiC, Ga2O3 or group III-V semiconductor substrate; wherein a plurality of holes are present through said graphene layer; and wherein a plurality of nanowires or nanopyramids are grown from said substrate in said holes, said nanowires or nanopyramids comprising at least one semiconducting group III-V compound.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01L 33/08 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a plurality of light emitting regions, e.g. laterally discontinuous light emitting layer or photoluminescent region integrated within the semiconductor body
• H01L 31/0304 - Inorganic materials including, apart from doping materials or other impurities, only AIIIBV compounds
• H01L 31/0352 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by their semiconductor bodies characterised by their shape or by the shapes, relative sizes or disposition of the semiconductor regions
• H01L 31/0392 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by their semiconductor bodies characterised by their crystalline structure or particular orientation of the crystalline planes including thin films deposited on metallic or insulating substrates
• H01L 31/18 - Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment of these devices or of parts thereof
• H01L 33/00 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof
• H01L 33/06 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a quantum effect structure or superlattice, e.g. tunnel junction within the light emitting region, e.g. quantum confinement structure or tunnel barrier
• H01L 33/12 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a stress relaxation structure, e.g. buffer layer
• H01L 33/24 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a particular shape, e.g. curved or truncated substrate of the light emitting region, e.g. non-planar junction
• H01L 33/32 - Materials of the light emitting region containing only elements of group III and group V of the periodic system containing nitrogen

Abstract

A smectite or vermiculite clay mineral in the form of a powder and having a plurality of layers wherein each layer comprises one octahedral type sheet sandwiched between two tetrahedral type sheets; wherein at least every other layer of said clay mineral comprises a hydroxide species comprising a cation selected from the group consisting of Ni, Mg, Fe, Mn or Zn.

IPC Classes  ?

• B01J 20/12 - Naturally occurring clays or bleaching earth
• B01J 20/06 - Solid sorbent compositions or filter aid compositionsSorbents for chromatographyProcesses for preparing, regenerating or reactivating thereof comprising inorganic material comprising oxides or hydroxides of metals not provided for in group
• B01J 20/30 - Processes for preparing, regenerating or reactivating
• B01D 53/04 - Separation of gases or vapoursRecovering vapours of volatile solvents from gasesChemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by adsorption, e.g. preparative gas chromatography with stationary adsorbents

Abstract

The present invention relates to processes for the preparation of biofuel from biomass by fast hydropyrolysis or fast pyrolysis, using hydrogen generated by sorption enhanced steam reforming. The present invention also relates to fixed bed tandem catalytic-upgrading processes, and reactors and hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) catalysts useful in those processes.

IPC Classes  ?

• B01J 27/19 - Molybdenum
• B01J 21/04 - Alumina
• C10G 3/00 - Production of liquid hydrocarbon mixtures from oxygen-containing organic materials, e.g. fatty oils, fatty acids

Abstract

A biofeedback system for headache patients comprises: a sensor system (2) for obtaining and transmitting data indicative of a plurality of physiological parameters of the patient, a personal computing device (4) arranged to receive data from the sensor system (2) and to interact with the patient via a user interface of the personal computing device (4), and a computer-implemented biofeedback agent (6). The sensor system (2) is configured for measurement of the physiological parameters of the patient, wherein the physiological parameters include at least two of muscle tension, body temperature, heart rate and heart rate variability. The personal computing device (4) together with the biofeedback agent (6) are configured to carry out the following steps: obtain data indicative of the physiological parameters from the sensor system (2); instruct the patient to control the physiological parameters; determine baseline levels for each of the physiological parameters; derive a score for each of the physiological parameters relative to the baseline levels, wherein the score increases in reaction to control of the respective physiological parameter; and use a weighting system to determine a weighting for the score associated with each of the physiological parameters and present a total score to the patient via the user interface, the total score consisting of a combination of the weighted scores, wherein the weighting system gives a higher weighting to the score for the physiological parameter that the patient most successfully controls and a lower weighting to the score for the physiological parameter that the patient least successfully controls.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons

Abstract

22 in the steam-methane reforming reaction.

IPC Classes  ?

• D01F 2/00 - Monocomponent artificial filaments or the like of cellulose or cellulose derivativesManufacture thereof
• D01D 5/06 - Wet spinning methods
• D01D 5/24 - Formation of filaments, threads, or the like with a hollow structureSpinnerette packs therefor
• D01D 5/247 - Discontinuous hollow structure or microporous structure
• D01F 9/16 - Carbon filamentsApparatus specially adapted for the manufacture thereof by decomposition of organic filaments from products of vegetable origin or derivatives thereof, e.g. from cellulose acetat
• B01D 69/08 - Hollow fibre membranes

Abstract

The present invention provides oligopeptidic compounds comprising a first oligopeptidic component derived from SLAMF1 and a second oligopeptidic component which is a cell- penetrating peptide. The oligopeptidic compounds provided have been found unexpectedly to block signalling from TLR4, TLR7, TLR8 and TLR9 in response to stimulus by their ligands, and also to display an anti-proliferative effect on cancer cells. The oligopeptidic compounds provided may be used in therapy for conditions associated with overactive immune responses, such as sepsis, and for treatment of cancer.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 38/00 - Medicinal preparations containing peptides
• C07K 7/04 - Linear peptides containing only normal peptide links
• C07K 7/06 - Linear peptides containing only normal peptide links having 5 to 11 amino acids

Abstract

A composite membrane suitable for separating a gas from a gas mixture comprising a selective layer coated on a support, wherein said selective layer comprises: a) a polymeric matrix comprising an amine polymer; b) a graphene oxide nanofiller; and c) a mobile carrier selected from an ionic liquid or an amino acid salt.

IPC Classes  ?

• B01D 69/12 - Composite membranesUltra-thin membranes
• B01D 53/22 - Separation of gases or vapoursRecovering vapours of volatile solvents from gasesChemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by diffusion
• B01D 69/14 - Dynamic membranes
• B01D 71/26 - Polyalkenes
• B01D 71/60 - Polyamines

Abstract

A method of calibrating an instrument for surgical intervention is provided. The instrument to be calibrated has a tip at a distal end thereof and a navigation array that is spaced from the distal end and is detectable in space. The navigation array has a fixed spatial and angular relationship with the tip. The method comprises the steps of: placing a calibrator on the tip of the instrument such that the tip is positioned within the calibrator at a known displacement from the centre of the calibrator, the calibrator having a circular shape and being detectable as a single point in space; detecting the position of the navigation array and the centre of the calibrator; and determining the position of the centre of the calibrator relative to the navigation array, thereby calibrating the position of the tip of the instrument relative to the navigation array. There is also provided a calibrator for use in such a method.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 34/20 - Surgical navigation systemsDevices for tracking or guiding surgical instruments, e.g. for frameless stereotaxis
• G06T 7/73 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras using feature-based methods
• A61B 17/00 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods and products for isolating nucleic acids from samples containing biological material. In particular, the present invention relates to silica-coated magnetic particles, processes for their preparation and their use in methods of isolating nucleic acids samples containing biological material.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01F 1/00 - Magnets or magnetic bodies characterised by the magnetic materials thereforSelection of materials for their magnetic properties

Abstract

An optical sensing apparatus (2, 102) is provided comprising: an input interface (14, 114) for receiving input light into the optical sensing apparatus (2, 102); an input waveguide (4, 104) and a reference waveguide (6, 106), both arranged to receive input light from the input interface (14, 114); a closed loop resonator (8, 108), wherein the input waveguide (4, 104) is optically coupled to the closed loop resonator (8, 108) at an input point (16) for introducing input light to the closed loop resonator (8, 108); a sample region (24, 124), adjacent the closed loop resonator (8, 108), for receiving a sample such that evanescent coupling can occur between light in the closed loop resonator (8, 108) and the sample; a drop-port waveguide (10, 110), optically coupled to the closed loop resonator (8, 108) at a drop point (20) for receiving dropped light from the closed loop resonator (8, 108); an output waveguide (12, 112); and an output interface (22, 122). The reference waveguide (6, 106) and the drop-port waveguide (10, 110) are arranged to direct interfering light through the output waveguide (12, 112) to produce an output signal at the output interface (22, 122).

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 21/45 - RefractivityPhase-affecting properties, e.g. optical path length using interferometric methodsRefractivityPhase-affecting properties, e.g. optical path length using Schlieren methods
• G01N 21/552 - Attenuated total reflection
• G01N 21/39 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using tunable lasers
• G01N 21/77 - Systems in which material is subjected to a chemical reaction, the progress or the result of the reaction being investigated by observing the effect on a chemical indicator

Abstract

A method for modelling a drillstring in a wellbore, the method comprising providing a model of the drillstring, the model representing the drillstring by a sequence of alternating springs and elements, where each element describes the mass and/or the moment of inertia of a corresponding part of the drillstring and each spring represents at least one of: axial, torsional and/or bending stiffnesses of one of the corresponding parts of the drillstring, wherein the model describes one or more forces on each element by one or more systems of ordinary equations of first or second order, where each equation comprise a linear part that comprises constant coefficients and a non-linear part that includes one or more of: one or more non-linear terms, one or more non-smooth terms, one or more time dependent terms and/or one or more coupled terms; and the method comprises recalculating the model for a plurality of time steps, wherein recalculating the model for the respective time step comprises calculating one, two or three dimensional positions, orientations and/or associated derivatives of all of the elements for the respective time step based on one, two or three dimensional positions, orientations and/or associated derivatives of all element at a previous time step, by describing the non-linear part by a form of expansion with respect to time and solving the system of equations either analytically or by the use of exponential integrators for the duration of the respective time step. Also described is a method of cleaning a wellbore using the model from the above method.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21B 37/00 - Methods or apparatus for cleaning boreholes or wells
• E21B 44/00 - Automatic control systems specially adapted for drilling operations, i.e. self-operating systems which function to carry out or modify a drilling operation without intervention of a human operator, e.g. computer-controlled drilling systemsSystems specially adapted for monitoring a plurality of drilling variables or conditions
• E21B 45/00 - Measuring the drilling time or rate of penetration

Abstract

A wireless sensor system (1) and a method for condition monitoring are provided. The wireless sensor system (1) comprises: a sensor (2) for monitoring a parameter relating to the condition monitoring, wherein the sensor (2) provides an analogue output signal comprising information relating to the parameter; a signal processing module (4) comprising a comparator (8), an analogue to digital converter (10), and a processor (12), wherein the analogue signal output from the sensor (2) is connected to an input of the comparator (8) as well as to an input of the analogue to digital converter (10), whilst an output of the comparator (8) and an output of the analogue to digital converter (10) are connected to the processor (12); and a wireless transmitter (6) for wirelessly transmitting the information from the sensor (2) under the control of the processor (12). The wireless sensor system (1) is arranged such that when the comparator (8) determines that the analogue output signal is within a threshold value then the analogue to digital converter (10) and the wireless transmitter (6) are inactive, whereas when the comparator (8) determines that the analogue output signal is outside a threshold value then the analogue to digital converter (10) is activated in order to provide the processor (12) with a digital representation of the analogue output signal, and the processor (12) is configured to determine whether or not to activate the wireless transmitter (6).

IPC Classes  ?

• H04Q 9/00 - Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom

Abstract

A process for the preparation of a plurality of nitrogen doped carbon spheres said process comprising: (I) combining formaldehyde and a nitrogen containing arylalcohol compound in the presence of an aliphatic nitrogen containing catalyst compound to form a reaction mixture; (II) subjecting the reaction mixture to sonication so as to form a plurality of nitrogen rich polymer spheres; (III) isolating the nitrogen rich polymer spheres from the reaction mixture; (IV) pyrolysing said nitrogen rich polymer spheres to form a plurality of nitrogen doped carbon spheres.

IPC Classes  ?

• C01B 32/05 - Preparation or purification of carbon not covered by groups , , ,

Abstract

The present invention relates to bone cements containing bactericidal oligopeptidic compounds that inhibit the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria and the formation of bacterial biofilms. The invention provides a kit for producing an antibacterial bone cement comprising: (i) components for producing bone cement; and (ii) an oligopeptidic compound comprising a PCNA interacting motif.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61L 27/22 - Polypeptides or derivatives thereof
• A61L 27/44 - Composite materials, i.e. layered or containing one material dispersed in a matrix of the same or different material having a macromolecular matrix
• A61L 27/50 - Materials characterised by their function or physical properties
• C07K 14/00 - Peptides having more than 20 amino acidsGastrinsSomatostatinsMelanotropinsDerivatives thereof
• A61L 24/00 - Surgical adhesives or cementsAdhesives for colostomy devices
• A61L 27/54 - Biologically active materials, e.g. therapeutic substances
• A61L 24/10 - PolypeptidesProteins

Abstract

A method of fault detection in synchronous machines includes using at least one sensor to determine parameters linked to the magnetic field generated within the synchronous machine including parameters based on one or more of magnetic field strength, rotor current or voltage, stator current or voltage, and vibration. The sensor measurements are processed to identify data artefacts linked to the magnetic field, wherein the processing includes one or more signal processing techniques based on time, frequency, and both time and frequency. Subsequently, the output of the signal processing is analysed in order to identify and categorise irregularities in the magnetic field that are indicative of a fault in the synchronous machine. The analysing step includes recognising patterns in the processed sensor measurements, via use of computer aided pattern recognition techniques such as via machine learning algorithms.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01R 31/34 - Testing dynamo-electric machines

Abstract

A method of processing cardiac ultrasound data for determining information about a mechanical wave in the heart. The method comprises receiving data representative of a time series of three-dimensional data frames, generated from ultrasound signals from a human or animal heart, each frame comprising a set of voxels, each voxel value representing an acceleration component of a respective location in the heart at a common time. The method also comprises identifying, for each voxel, a frame of the series in which the voxel value is at a maximum. A three-dimensional time-propagation data set is generated by assigning each voxel a value representative of the time of the respective frame in the time series for which the corresponding voxel is at a maximum. The method then comprises generating data representative of a three-dimensional velocity vector field by calculating time derivatives from the three-dimensional time-propagation data set.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 8/08 - Clinical applications
• G06T 15/08 - Volume rendering
• A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
• A61B 5/318 - Heart-related electrical modalities, e.g. electrocardiography [ECG]

Abstract

A device for interventions within the body, the device comprising: an end piece 6 for insertion into the body at a distal end thereof, the end piece 6 including a rigid lumen for holding an instrument 10 and guiding the instrument 10 to the distal end of the end piece; and a body section 4 supporting the lumen and being rigidly connected thereto, the body section including a navigation array 14 for guidance of the device using a surgical navigation system and/or including an anchor point 20 for a standard navigation array.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
• A61K 38/48 - Hydrolases (3) acting on peptide bonds (3.4)
• A61B 10/02 - Instruments for taking cell samples or for biopsy
• A61B 17/34 - TrocarsPuncturing needles
• A61P 27/02 - Ophthalmic agents
• A61N 1/372 - Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators
• A61P 25/06 - Antimigraine agents
• A61M 5/20 - Automatic syringes, e.g. with automatically actuated piston rod, with automatic needle injection, filling automatically
• A61M 5/24 - Ampoule syringes, i.e. syringes with needle for use in combination with replaceable ampoules or cartridges, e.g. automatic
• A61K 9/00 - Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
• A61M 5/28 - Syringe ampoules or cartridges, i.e. ampoules or cartridges provided with a needle
• A61M 5/32 - NeedlesDetails of needles pertaining to their connection with syringe or hubAccessories for bringing the needle into, or holding the needle on, the bodyDevices for protection of needles
• A61B 17/00 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods
• A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
• A61B 34/20 - Surgical navigation systemsDevices for tracking or guiding surgical instruments, e.g. for frameless stereotaxis

Abstract

An ultrasound phantom comprising a hydrocarbon gel layer encased in a silicone sleeve, said hydrocarbon gel being doped with inorganic powder.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods for improving the resistance of alloys to corrosion, and in particular metal-dusting corrosion. The present invention also relates to alloys obtainable by such methods, and products formed from such alloys.

IPC Classes  ?

• C23C 8/02 - Pretreatment of the material to be coated
• C23C 8/10 - Oxidising
• C23C 8/12 - Oxidising using elemental oxygen or ozone
• C23C 8/14 - Oxidising of ferrous surfaces
• C23C 8/16 - Oxidising using oxygen-containing compounds, e.g. H2O, CO2
• C23C 8/18 - Oxidising of ferrous surfaces
• C23C 8/80 - After-treatment

Abstract

233 or group III-V semiconductor substrate; wherein a plurality of holes are present through said graphene layer; and wherein a plurality of nanowires or nanopyramids are grown from said substrate in said holes, said nanowires or nanopyramids comprising at least one semiconducting group III-V compound.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01L 21/20 - Deposition of semiconductor materials on a substrate, e.g. epitaxial growth
• H01L 33/00 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof

Abstract

A medical implant is provided for an organ stoma formed in the abdominal wall (10) of a patient. The implant comprises: a first layer (16) of material with a first surface (26) of the first layer (16) of material being arranged to adhere to body tissue such as the abdominal wall (10) and a second surface (28) of the first layer (16) of material being provided with an anti-adhesion coating for restricting adhesion of the second surface (28) of the first layer (16) of material to body tissue such as the intestine (12), wherein a size and shape of the first layer (16) is arranged to cover the entire extent of the stoma; and a second layer (18) of material that is of a smaller size than the first layer (16) and is attached to the first surface (26) of the first layer (16) covering a part of the first surface (26) extending from a central part of the first layer (16) to an outer edge (30) of the first layer (16), wherein a first surface of the second layer (18) of material faces the first surface (26) of the first layer (16) of material and a second surface (32) of the second layer (18) of material faces outward from the first layer (16), and wherein the second surface (32) of the second layer (16) of material is provided with an anti-adhesion coating for restricting adhesion of the second surface (32) of the second layer (18) of material to body tissue such as the intestine (12).

IPC Classes  ?

• A61F 2/00 - Filters implantable into blood vesselsProstheses, i.e. artificial substitutes or replacements for parts of the bodyAppliances for connecting them with the bodyDevices providing patency to, or preventing collapsing of, tubular structures of the body, e.g. stents

Abstract

A surgical stapler includes a proximal end and a distal end and an anvil at the distal end for providing resistance to staples during the stapling operation of the surgical stapler. The anvil may include a number of segments arranged end-to-end. The anvil is elongated in the collapsed state, the anvil being elongated generally in a first direction D1. The anvil is configured such that the segments rotate about a rotation axis along a perpendicular second direction D2 when the anvil is actuated between the deployed and the collapsed states. The anvil is configured such that adjacent segments pivot relative to each other about a pivot axis along a third direction D3 when the anvil is actuated between the deployed and collapsed states. The stapler also includes an actuator mechanism, wherein the actuator mechanism is configured to be controlled from a location on the surgical stapler towards the proximal end.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 17/072 - Surgical staplers for applying a row of staples in a single action, e.g. the staples being applied simultaneously
• A61B 17/115 - Staplers for performing anastomosis, e.g. in a single operation

Abstract

The present invention relates to sets of genes, specific gene signatures, useful for predicting long-term prognosis of breast cancer in patients. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of preparing a personalized treatment schedule for a breast cancer patient based on said long-term prognoses.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12Q 1/6886 - Nucleic acid products used in the analysis of nucleic acids, e.g. primers or probes for diseases caused by alterations of genetic material for cancer

Abstract

The present invention relates to processes for the preparation of biofuel from biomass by fast hydropyrolysis or fast pyrolysis, using hydrogen generated by sorption enhanced steam reforming. The present invention also relates to fixed bed tandem catalytic-upgrading processes, and reactors and hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) catalysts useful in those processes.

IPC Classes  ?

• B01J 27/19 - Molybdenum
• C01B 3/34 - Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents
• C01B 3/38 - Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents using catalysts
• C01B 3/44 - Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents using catalysts using moving solid particles using the fluidised bed technique
• B01J 37/02 - Impregnation, coating or precipitation
• B01J 37/16 - Reducing
• B01J 37/18 - Reducing with gases containing free hydrogen
• B01J 8/04 - Chemical or physical processes in general, conducted in the presence of fluids and solid particlesApparatus for such processes with stationary particles, e.g. in fixed beds the fluid passing successively through two or more beds
• C10G 3/00 - Production of liquid hydrocarbon mixtures from oxygen-containing organic materials, e.g. fatty oils, fatty acids

Abstract

An apparatus for detecting morphed or averaged images, wherein the morphed or averaged images are synthetically generated images including information from two or more different source images corresponding to two or more subjects. The apparatus may include a feature extraction module for receiving an input image and outputting a set of descriptor feature(s) characteristic of the image and a classifier module configured to allocate the input image either to a first class indicating that the image has been morphed or averaged or a second class indicating that it has not been morphed or averaged, based on the descriptor feature(s). The feature extraction module may include a plurality of neural networks providing complementary descriptor feature(s) to the classifier module. The apparatus further may include a fusion module for combining descriptor feature data from each neural network and transmitting the fused feature data to the classifier module.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06V 40/40 - Spoof detection, e.g. liveness detection
• G06N 20/00 - Machine learning
• G06K 9/62 - Methods or arrangements for recognition using electronic means
• G06N 3/04 - Architecture, e.g. interconnection topology
• G06N 3/08 - Learning methods
• G06N 5/04 - Inference or reasoning models
• G06V 10/44 - Local feature extraction by analysis of parts of the pattern, e.g. by detecting edges, contours, loops, corners, strokes or intersectionsConnectivity analysis, e.g. of connected components
• G06V 40/16 - Human faces, e.g. facial parts, sketches or expressions

Abstract

3 substrate, wherein said nanostructure comprises at least one group III-V compound.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01L 33/30 - Materials of the light emitting region containing only elements of group III and group V of the periodic system
• H01L 33/00 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof
• H01L 33/06 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a quantum effect structure or superlattice, e.g. tunnel junction within the light emitting region, e.g. quantum confinement structure or tunnel barrier
• H01L 33/24 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a particular shape, e.g. curved or truncated substrate of the light emitting region, e.g. non-planar junction

Abstract

A composition of matter comprising a film on a graphitic substrate, said film having been grown epitaxially on said substrate, wherein said film comprises at least one group III-V compound or at least one group II-VI compound.

IPC Classes  ?

• C30B 25/10 - Heating of the reaction chamber or the substrate
• C30B 25/18 - Epitaxial-layer growth characterised by the substrate
• C30B 29/40 - AIIIBV compounds
• C30B 29/48 - AIIBVI compounds
• H01L 21/02 - Manufacture or treatment of semiconductor devices or of parts thereof
• H01L 29/15 - Structures with periodic or quasi periodic potential variation, e.g. multiple quantum wells, superlattices
• H01L 29/20 - Semiconductor bodies characterised by the materials of which they are formed including, apart from doping materials or other impurities, only AIIIBV compounds
• H01L 29/22 - Semiconductor bodies characterised by the materials of which they are formed including, apart from doping materials or other impurities, only AIIBVI compounds
• C30B 29/02 - Elements
• H01L 29/04 - Semiconductor bodies characterised by their crystalline structure, e.g. polycrystalline, cubic or particular orientation of crystalline planes
• H01L 29/16 - Semiconductor bodies characterised by the materials of which they are formed including, apart from doping materials or other impurities, only elements of Group IV of the Periodic System in uncombined form

Abstract

A composition of matter comprising: a graphitic substrate optionally carried on a support, a seed layer having a thickness of no more than 50 nm deposited directly on top of said substrate, opposite any support; and an oxide or nitride masking layer e directly on top of said seed layer; wherein a plurality of holes are present through said seed layer and through said masking layer to C said graphitic substrate; and wherein a plurality of nanowires or nanopyramids are grown from said substrate in said holes, said nanowres or nanopyramids comprising at least one semiconducting group III-V compound.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01L 33/08 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a plurality of light emitting regions, e.g. laterally discontinuous light emitting layer or photoluminescent region integrated within the semiconductor body
• H01L 31/18 - Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment of these devices or of parts thereof
• H01L 51/00 - Solid state devices using organic materials as the active part, or using a combination of organic materials with other materials as the active part; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment of such devices, or of parts thereof
• H01L 31/0352 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by their semiconductor bodies characterised by their shape or by the shapes, relative sizes or disposition of the semiconductor regions
• H01L 33/18 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a particular crystal structure or orientation, e.g. polycrystalline, amorphous or porous within the light emitting region
• H01L 33/24 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a particular shape, e.g. curved or truncated substrate of the light emitting region, e.g. non-planar junction
• H01L 33/44 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the coatings, e.g. passivation layer or anti-reflective coating
• H01L 33/06 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a quantum effect structure or superlattice, e.g. tunnel junction within the light emitting region, e.g. quantum confinement structure or tunnel barrier
• H01L 51/42 - Solid state devices using organic materials as the active part, or using a combination of organic materials with other materials as the active part; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment of such devices, or of parts thereof specially adapted either for the conversion of the energy of such radiation into electrical energy or for the control of electrical energy by such radiation

Abstract

A composition of matter, in particular a photovoltaic cell, comprising: at least one core semiconductor nanowire on a graphitic substrate, said at least one core nanowire having been grown epitaxially on said substrate wherein said nanowire comprises at least one group III-V compound or at least one group II-VI compound or at least one group IV element; a semiconductor shell surrounding said core nanowire, said shell comprising at least one group III-V compound or at least one group II-VI compound or at least one group IV element such that said core nanowire and said shell form a n-type semiconductor and a p-type semiconductor respectively or vice versa; and an outer conducting coating surrounding said shell which forms an electrode contact.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01L 31/0352 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by their semiconductor bodies characterised by their shape or by the shapes, relative sizes or disposition of the semiconductor regions
• H01L 31/0304 - Inorganic materials including, apart from doping materials or other impurities, only AIIIBV compounds
• H01L 31/18 - Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment of these devices or of parts thereof
• H01L 31/0224 - Electrodes

Abstract

A process for preparing a highly pure silicon by reduction of a calcium silicate slag using a source of aluminum is disclosed. The process involves forming a molten calcium silicate slag, reducing the calcium silicate slag to Si metal and forming a calcium aluminate slag, and separating the Si metal from the calcium aluminate slag.

IPC Classes  ?

• C01B 33/023 - Preparation by reduction of silica or silica-containing material
• C01B 33/037 - Purification

Abstract

A method of calibrating an instrument for surgical intervention is provided. The instrument to be calibrated has a tip at a distal end thereof and a navigation array that is spaced from the distal end and is detectable in space. The navigation array has a fixed spatial and angular relationship with the tip. The method comprises the steps of: placing a calibrator on the tip of the instrument such that the tip is positioned within the calibrator at a known displacement from the centre of the calibrator, the calibrator having a circular shape and being detectable as a single point in space; detecting the position of the navigation array and the centre of the calibrator; and determining the position of the centre of the calibrator relative to the navigation array, thereby calibrating the position of the tip of the instrument relative to the navigation array. There is also provided a calibrator for use in such a method.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 34/20 - Surgical navigation systemsDevices for tracking or guiding surgical instruments, e.g. for frameless stereotaxis

Abstract

A method for processing echocardiography data in order to enable automatic functional measurements based on cardiac ultrasound images as an input, the method comprising: (i) classification of the cardiac ultrasound images in order to ensure that relevant images are passed on to the next steps, optionally utilising a first neural network, or first part of a neural network, such as a convolutional neural network; (ii) segmentation and semantic partitioning of the left ventricle (LV) myocardium to extract relevant parts of the image, optionally by using a second neural network, or second part of a neural network; (iii) regional motion estimates to determine a mapping of displacements in the extracted parts of the imageand to output estimated tissue motion vectors for the extracted parts of the image, optionally using a third neural network, or third part of a neural network; and (iv) fusion of measurements via state estimation applied to the tissue motion vectors and thereby incorporating a temporal domain to produce data showing variation of the estimated measurements over time; wherein at least one of steps (i), (ii), and (iii) uses a neural network or a part of a neural network.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06T 7/00 - Image analysis
• G06T 7/20 - Analysis of motion

Abstract

A surgical cutting tool for keyhole surgery comprises: a handle (2) at a proximal end of the tool; an elongate member (4) extending from the handle to a distal end of the tool; and a saw (6) at the distal end of the tool, the saw being supported by the elongate member (4). The elongate member (4) has a length allowing for insertion of the saw (6) into the body by a distance of at least 150mm. The tool is arranged for insertion of the saw (6) into the body during keyhole surgery; and the saw (6) is able to cut bone when pressed against the bone.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 17/32 - Surgical cutting instruments
• A61B 17/14 - Surgical saws

Abstract

The present invention relates to a foil (1) for arrangement relative to a flow of liquid (2) where a relative velocity (V) is substantially even along a length (L) of a leading edge (3) of the foil (1), and where the foil (1) comprises: - a leading edge (3) - a trailing edge (4), comprising a plurality of indentations (7), wherein any of the plurality of indentations (7) has a breadth (B) defined by a ratio to a boundary layer thickness (δ) at the trailing edge (4) between 0.01

IPC Classes  ?

• B63B 1/24 - Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving additional lift from hydrodynamic forces of hydrofoil type
• B64C 21/10 - Influencing air flow over aircraft surfaces by affecting boundary layer flow using other surface properties, e.g. roughness

Abstract

A process for growing nanowires or nanopyramids comprising: (I) providing a graphitic substrate and depositing AlGaN, InGaN, AlN or AlGa(In)N on said graphitic substrate at an elevated temperature to form a buffer layer or nanoscale nucleation islands of said compounds; (II) growing a plurality of semiconducting group III-V nanowires or nanopyramids, preferably III-nitride nanowires or nanopyramids, on the said buffer layer or nucleation islands on the graphitic substrate, preferably via MOVPE or MBE.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01L 21/02 - Manufacture or treatment of semiconductor devices or of parts thereof

Abstract

A process for the purification of silicon metal and/or silica from a plurality of particles comprising silica and silicon metal, said process comprising: (I) fragmenting a population of particles comprising silicon metal and silica to obtain a fragmented flotation feed comprising liberated particles, preferably liberated silicon metal particles and liberated silica particles such that at least 90 wt% of the particles have a diameter of 10 to 500 µm; (II) contacting the fragmented flotation feed with an aqueous solution comprising fluoride ions and a frother to create a suspension and introducing gas bubbles to said suspension to form a froth on top of the suspension to which liberated silicon metal particle adhere; and (III) removing the froth.

IPC Classes  ?

• B03D 1/02 - Froth-flotation processes
• C01B 33/00 - SiliconCompounds thereof
• C01B 33/037 - Purification

Abstract

A deformable element (250) for a rock bolt comprises a sleeve (255) and a plug (260). The plug (260) is configured to be received at least partially within the sleeve (255) at a first end (256) of the sleeve, and is configured to be held in frictional engagement with the sleeve (255). The plug (260) is configured to be fixed in place relative to an end of the rock bolt by tightening a fastener (2) onto the end of the rock bolt against the plug (260) to secure the plug between the fastener (2) and the sleeve (255). The sleeve (255) has an inner diameter which decreases from a maximum diameter at the first end (256) of the sleeve to a minimum diameter at an opposed second end (257) of the sleeve, the maximum diameter of the sleeve (255) being the same as or larger than a maximum diameter of the plug (260), and the minimum diameter being smaller than the maximum diameter of the plug (260). When a load is applied to the deformable element (250) the plug (260) is drawn through the sleeve (255) towards the second end (257) of the sleeve.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21D 21/00 - Anchoring-bolts for roof, floor, or shaft-lining protection
• E21D 21/02 - Anchoring-bolts for roof, floor, or shaft-lining protection having means for indicating tension

Abstract

A delivery vehicle which comprises a nucleic acid construct, wherein the nucleic acid construct comprises (i) an enhancer which specifically drives gene expression in cells of the entorhinal cortex (ii) a promoter; and (iii) a therapeutic gene, wherein said enhancer, promoter and therapeutic gene are operatively linked, said enhancer and therapeutic gene are heterologous, and said delivery vehicle is suitable for delivery of the nucleic acid construct to the brain of a mammal.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 48/00 - Medicinal preparations containing genetic material which is inserted into cells of the living body to treat genetic diseasesGene therapy
• C12N 7/00 - Viruses, e.g. bacteriophagesCompositions thereofPreparation or purification thereof
• C12N 15/113 - Non-coding nucleic acids modulating the expression of genes, e.g. antisense oligonucleotides
• A61P 25/28 - Drugs for disorders of the nervous system for treating neurodegenerative disorders of the central nervous system, e.g. nootropic agents, cognition enhancers, drugs for treating Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia
• C12N 5/10 - Cells modified by introduction of foreign genetic material, e.g. virus-transformed cells

Abstract

A surgical cutting tool (24) comprises: a hollow cylindrical cutting head (25) with an open distal end, the cutting head (25) being for coupling to an ultrasound oscillator (34) at a proximal end of the cutting head (25); an anvil sheath (26) surrounding the cylindrical cutting head (25); a plurality of cutting tines (28) on the hollow cylindrical cutting head (25) and located around the open distal end thereof; and a plurality of anvil tines (30) at a distal end of the anvil sheath (26); wherein the cutting head (25) is arranged to transmit ultrasound vibration from the ultrasound oscillator (34) to the cutting tines (28) to vibrate the cutting tines (28) along their length; and wherein the anvil sheath (26) and cutting head (25) can rotate relative to one another in order that the cutting tines (28) move relative to the anvil tines (30). This tool (24) allows for a circular cut into body tissue with simultaneous ligation of blood vessels and the like.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 17/22 - Implements for squeezing-off ulcers or the like on inner organs of the bodyImplements for scraping-out cavities of body organs, e.g. bonesSurgical instruments, devices or methods for invasive removal or destruction of calculus using mechanical vibrationsSurgical instruments, devices or methods for removing obstructions in blood vessels, not otherwise provided for
• A61B 17/32 - Surgical cutting instruments
• A61B 17/3205 - Excision instruments

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 8/06 - Measuring blood flow
• A61B 8/08 - Clinical applications

Abstract

The invention provides a method of monitoring blood flow in a vertebrate animal subject. Unfocussed plane-wave ultrasound pulses are transmitted into the subject, along a transmission axis, from a single-element ultrasound transducer (2) fastened to the subject (5). Reflections of the ultrasound pulses are received, generating a succession of pulse-Doppler response signals over time. Each pulse-Doppler response signal is processed to determine a first respective spatial-maximum velocity value for blood flowing towards the single transducer element (2), and a second respective spatial-maximum velocity value for blood flowing away. Heartbeats are identified from said spatial-maximum velocity values and a quality metric is assigned to each identified heartbeat. A subset of the spatial-maximum velocity values is identified for which the assigned quality metric exceeds a threshold level. The values from the subset are monitored, and, when a set of values from the subset satisfies a predetermined alert criterion an audible or visual alert is signalled.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 8/06 - Measuring blood flow
• A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
• A61B 8/08 - Clinical applications

Abstract

The invention provides a method for monitoring peripheral microcirculation in a vertebrate animal subject undergoing or recovering from surgery, wherein said method uses unfocused ultrasound pulses to determine a characteristic of blood flow within in the minor peripheral vasculature of the subject and said characteristic or the profile of said characteristic over time is indicative or predictive of a change in the peripheral microcirculation of the subject. The invention further provides a method for monitoring or predicting the onset of and/or progression of dysfunction of the microvasculature and/or a response to treatment thereof in a vertebrate animal subject, wherein said method uses unfocused ultrasound pulses to determine a characteristic of blood flow within in the minor peripheral vasculature of the subject and said characteristic or the profile of said characteristic over time is indicative or predictive of dysfunction of the microvasculature or response to treatment thereof or variation in said characteristic or a profile of said characteristic over time is indicative or predictive of dysfunction of the microvasculature or is indicative or predictive of a change in the dysfunction of the microvasculature or response to treatment thereof.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 8/06 - Measuring blood flow
• A61B 8/08 - Clinical applications

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 8/06 - Measuring blood flow
• A61B 8/08 - Clinical applications

Abstract

An ultrasound imaging method in which ultrasound signals are transmitted into a living organism, reflected from fluid flowing along a path within the organism, and received by an ultrasound transceiver system with a resolution limit in a first direction. These signals are used to generate data representing a sequence of images over time; each image including a speckle pattern arising from interference within the reflected ultrasound signals. A peak-sharpening operation is applied to the image data, generating data representing a sequence of resolution-enhanced images, each having a resolution in the first direction finer than the resolution limit of the transceiver system in that direction, and including a respective peak-sharpened speckle pattern. A combining operation is applied to generate data representing an output image in which the path of the fluid is represented by a superimposition of the peak-sharpened speckle patterns from the resolution-enhanced images.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 8/06 - Measuring blood flow
• A61B 8/14 - Echo-tomography
• A61B 8/08 - Clinical applications

Abstract

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a method of enrolling a biometric sample in a cryptosystem scheme. The method comprises extracting biometric feature data from a biometric sample; generating a biometric vector from the biometric feature data; generating secret data; generating a secret vector from the secret data; combining the biometric vector and the secret vector using an artificial neural network, the artificial neural network configured to output a neural network model; and, storing the neural network model in a database, thereby enrolling the biometric sample in a cryptosystem scheme and facilitating subsequent verification through authenticating released secret data, released from the neural network model, whilst hiding the biometric feature data and the secret data. A method of verifying a biometric sample is also provided. Computer readable medium and systems are also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints

Abstract

An apparatus (30) for detecting morphed or averaged images, wherein the morphed or averaged images are synthetically generated images comprising information from two or more different source images corresponding to two or more subjects. The apparatus comprises: a feature extraction module for receiving an input image (33) and outputting a set of descriptor feature(s) characteristic of the image; and a classifier module (36) configured to allocate the input image either to a first class indicating that the image has been morphed or averaged or a second class indicating that it has not been morphed or averaged, based on the descriptor feature(s). The feature extraction module comprises a plurality of neural networks (31, 32) providing complementary descriptor feature(s) to the classifier module. The apparatus further comprises a fusion module (35) for combining descriptor feature data from each neural network and transmitting the fused feature data to the classifier module. The classifier module comprises a machine-learning system trained to classify the images using a training data set comprising morphed or averaged images and images that have not been morphed or averaged.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
• G06K 9/46 - Extraction of features or characteristics of the image
• G06K 9/62 - Methods or arrangements for recognition using electronic means

Abstract

A surgical retractor tool for removing an object (12) from the stomach (14) or from the oesophagus (18) is disclosed. The tool comprises: a flexible steerable tube (28) for insertion into the body via the oral cavity; and a gripper (24) at the distal end (26) of the tube (28) for gripping an object (12) in the stomach (14) or the oesophagus (18) in order to allow for removal of the object from the stomach (14) or the oesophagus (18). The gripper includes first and second rotatable gripper surfaces (30) and a clamping mechanism (34) for moving the gripper surfaces (30) to clamp the object (12). The rotatable gripper surfaces (30) are arranged to rotate relative to the tube (28) in order to allow a longitudinal axis of a gripped object (12) to move into alignment with a longitudinal axis of the tube (28).

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 17/29 - Forceps for use in minimally invasive surgery
• A61B 17/50 - Instruments for removing foreign bodies from the human body
• A61B 17/28 - Surgical forceps

Abstract

A composition of matter comprising at least one nanostructure grown epitaxially on an optionally doped β-Ga2O3 substrate, wherein said nanostructure comprises at least one group III-V compound.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01L 33/00 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof
• H01L 33/16 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a particular crystal structure or orientation, e.g. polycrystalline, amorphous or porous
• H01L 33/08 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a plurality of light emitting regions, e.g. laterally discontinuous light emitting layer or photoluminescent region integrated within the semiconductor body
• H01L 33/24 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a particular shape, e.g. curved or truncated substrate of the light emitting region, e.g. non-planar junction

Abstract

An unmanned airborne vehicle (UAV) recovery system (10) for in-flight recovery of a fixed wing UAV (16) is described. The recovery system (10) comprises a catching device (12) and a plurality of hover-capable drones (14), such as multi-rotors (14). The catching device (12) is for catching the fixed wing UAV (16) via a hook system (18) during flight of the fixed wing UAV (16) and takes the form of a line between the recovery drones (14). The recovery drones (14) are arranged to support the catching device (12) as it spans a gap in a horizontal orientation with the catching device (12) suspended between at least two recovery drones (14) that are in flight and spaced apart horizontally from each other either side of the gap. During a recovery operation the recovery drones (14) co-ordinate their movement to adopt a flight path relative to a flight path of the fixed wing UAV 16 to define a virtual runway for interception of the fixed wing UAV (16) by the recovery system (10).

IPC Classes  ?

• B64C 25/68 - Arrester hooks
• B64C 39/02 - Aircraft not otherwise provided for characterised by special use

Abstract

The present invention provides methods for identifying a factor which modulates gene expression comprising providing a library of at least 1 x 106 nucleic acid molecules each comprising a stochastic sequence of at least 50 nucleotides, introducing said nucleic acid molecules into nucleic acid constructs which comprise a reporter sequence and which do not comprise a further separate sequence upstream of the reporter sequence that can modulate expression of the reporter sequence to generate test constructs, introducing test constructs into host cells and assessing expression of the reporter sequence, thereby to identify a factor which modulates gene expression. Libraries of nucleic acid molecules, test constructs and host cells for use in such methods are also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

• C12N 15/10 - Processes for the isolation, preparation or purification of DNA or RNA

Abstract

A process for growing nanowires or nanopyramids comprising: (I) providing a graphitic substrate and depositing AlGaN, InGaN, AlN or AlGa(In)N on said graphitic substrate at an elevated temperature to form a buffer layer or nanoscale nucleation islands of said compounds; (II) growing a plurality of semiconducting group III-V nanowires or nanopyramids, preferably III-nitride nanowires or nanopyramids, on the said buffer layer or nucleation islands on the graphitic substrate, preferably via MOVPE or MBE.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01L 21/02 - Manufacture or treatment of semiconductor devices or of parts thereof

Abstract

A device, such as a light-emitting device, e.g. a laser device, comprising: a plurality of group III-V semiconductor NWs grown on one side of a graphitic substrate, preferably through the holes of an optional hole-patterned mask on said graphitic substrate; a first distributed Bragg reflector or metal mirror positioned substantially parallel to said graphitic substrate and positioned on the opposite side of said graphitic substrate to said NWs; optionally a second distributed Bragg reflector or metal mirror in contact with the top of at least a portion of said NWs; and wherein said NWs comprise ann-type doped region and a p-type doped region and optionally an intrinsic region there between.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01S 5/02 - Structural details or components not essential to laser action
• H01S 5/34 - Structure or shape of the active regionMaterials used for the active region comprising quantum well or superlattice structures, e.g. single quantum well [SQW] lasers, multiple quantum well [MQW] lasers or graded index separate confinement heterostructure [GRINSCH] lasers
• H01S 5/343 - Structure or shape of the active regionMaterials used for the active region comprising quantum well or superlattice structures, e.g. single quantum well [SQW] lasers, multiple quantum well [MQW] lasers or graded index separate confinement heterostructure [GRINSCH] lasers in AIIIBV compounds, e.g. AlGaAs-laser
• H01S 5/183 - Surface-emitting [SE] lasers, e.g. having both horizontal and vertical cavities having only vertical cavities, e.g. vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers [VCSEL]
• H01S 5/42 - Arrays of surface emitting lasers
• H01S 5/04 - Processes or apparatus for excitation, e.g. pumping
• H01S 5/042 - Electrical excitation
• H01S 5/20 - Structure or shape of the semiconductor body to guide the optical wave
• H01S 5/40 - Arrangement of two or more semiconductor lasers, not provided for in groups

Abstract

A composition of matter comprising: a graphitic substrate optionally carried on a support; a seed layer having a thickness of no more than 50 nm deposited directly on top of said substrate, opposite any support; and an oxide or nitride masking layer directly on top of said seed layer; wherein a plurality of holes are present through said seed layer and through said masking layer to said graphitic substrate; and wherein a plurality of nanowires or nanopyramids are grown from said substrate in said holes, said nanowires or nanopyramids comprising at least one semiconducting group III-V compound.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01L 31/00 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof
• H01L 33/00 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof
• H01L 33/08 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a plurality of light emitting regions, e.g. laterally discontinuous light emitting layer or photoluminescent region integrated within the semiconductor body
• H01L 31/0352 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by their semiconductor bodies characterised by their shape or by the shapes, relative sizes or disposition of the semiconductor regions
• H01L 33/18 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a particular crystal structure or orientation, e.g. polycrystalline, amorphous or porous within the light emitting region
• H01L 33/24 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a particular shape, e.g. curved or truncated substrate of the light emitting region, e.g. non-planar junction
• H01L 33/44 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the coatings, e.g. passivation layer or anti-reflective coating
• H01L 33/06 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a quantum effect structure or superlattice, e.g. tunnel junction within the light emitting region, e.g. quantum confinement structure or tunnel barrier

Abstract

A light emitting diode device comprising: a plurality of nanowires or nanopyramids grown on a graphitic substrate, said nanowires or nanopyramids having a p-n or p-i-n junction, a first electrode in electrical contact with said graphitic substrate; a light reflective layer in contact with the top of at least a portion of said nanowires or nanopyramids, said light reflective layer optionally acting as a second electrode; optionally a second electrode in electrical contact with the top of at least a portion of said nanowires or nanopyramids, said second electrode being essential where said light reflective layer does not act as an electrode; wherein said nanowires or nanopyramids comprise at least one group III-V compound semiconductor; and wherein in use light is emitted from said device in a direction substantially opposite to said light reflective layer.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01L 31/105 - Devices sensitive to infrared, visible or ultraviolet radiation characterised by only one potential barrier or surface barrier the potential barrier being of the PIN type
• H01L 33/08 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a plurality of light emitting regions, e.g. laterally discontinuous light emitting layer or photoluminescent region integrated within the semiconductor body
• H01L 31/0352 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by their semiconductor bodies characterised by their shape or by the shapes, relative sizes or disposition of the semiconductor regions
• H01L 33/24 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a particular shape, e.g. curved or truncated substrate of the light emitting region, e.g. non-planar junction
• H01L 33/06 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a quantum effect structure or superlattice, e.g. tunnel junction within the light emitting region, e.g. quantum confinement structure or tunnel barrier
• H01L 33/18 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS - Details thereof characterised by the semiconductor bodies with a particular crystal structure or orientation, e.g. polycrystalline, amorphous or porous within the light emitting region
• H01L 31/103 - Devices sensitive to infrared, visible or ultraviolet radiation characterised by only one potential barrier or surface barrier the potential barrier being of the PN homojunction type
• H01L 31/18 - Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment of these devices or of parts thereof
• H01L 33/32 - Materials of the light emitting region containing only elements of group III and group V of the periodic system containing nitrogen