Abstract: The invention relates to calcium (3S) tetrahydro-3-furanyl(1S,2R)-3-[[(4-aminophenyl)sulfonyl](isobutyl)amino]-1-benzyl-2-(phosphonooxy)propylcarb-amate, to processes for its preparation, and to its use in the treatment of diseases caused by retroviruses.

Abstract: The deleterious effects of metal ions in water, for example water hardness and formation of deposits, may be combated by application of an algin, for example alginic acid or a salt of alginic acid, such as sodium alginate or potassium alginate. Such a compound may bring about water purification and/or softening and prevent formation of deposits. Furthermore, such a compound may promote the removal of existing deposits, for example scale.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for conducting spatially-based valuation of property, taking into account the values of neighbouring properties. The method proceeds by analysing a database of properties including details of at least the location and value of the known properties, and the location of the property to be valued. Other characteristics of the properties may be included in the database. Similarity scores for each property compared with each other property are calculated, and used to identify those properties which are comparable to the property to be valued. All the comparable properties within a predetermined distance from the property to be valued are used to calculate the unknown property value.

Abstract: The invention relates to calcium (3S) tetrahydro-3-furanyl(1S,2R)-3-[[(4-aminophenyl)sulfonyl](isobutyl)amino]-1-benzyl-2-(phosphonooxy)propylcarbamate, to processes for its preparation, and to its use in the treatment of diseases caused by retroviruses.

Abstract: An aqueous pourable liquid composition comprising a high concentration of sodium alginate and an alkali metal bicarbonate, wherein the sodium alginate has an average mannuronic acid residue to guluronic acid residue ratio of at least 0.6:1. In addition, an alginate or alginic acid for forming a protective coating on gastrointestinal mucosal tissue, use of and compositions including the same are provided.

Abstract: A pharmaceutically acceptable bio-adhesive coating, film or gel is formed in situ at a body surface by the reaction of (i) an anionic polymer or tripolyphosphate and (ii) a cationic polymer in the presence of water. The two components are supplied either as separate aqueous solutions or in a single non-aqueous formulation, which can be a liquid suspension tablet, capsule or powder.

Abstract: Formulations for the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux diseases include a carrier vehicle and an active gastro-protective agent. The carrier vehicle is either capable of forming a floating barrier layer on contact with gastric acid or of forming a bioadhesive film before any contact with gastric acid, so as to protect gastric mucosa from irritation by the gastric acid. A preferred active ingredient is capsaicin. The carrier vehicle preferably contains alginate or cross-linked polyacrylic acid.

Abstract: Mucoadhesive granules comprising a) carbomer and/or a salt thereof; and b) an inert filler. The granules preferably further comprise a pharmaceutically active agent suitable for sustained release into the gastrointestinal tract or for targeted delivery to the gastrointestinal mucosa.

Abstract: A process for preparing agrochemical intermediates of formula (I), wherein W is (CH.sub.3 O).sub.2 CH.CHCO.sub.2 CH.sub.3 or CH.sub.3 O.CH.dbd.CCO.sub.2 CH.sub.3 ; Z.sup.1 is a halogen atom; and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are independently hydrogen, halogen, C.sub.1-4 alky, C alkoxy, acetoxy or acyl; the process comprising the steps of: (a) reacting a compound of formula (II), wherein X, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are as defined above, with a compound of formula ROCH.sub.3, wherein R is a metal; and, (b) reacting the product of (a) with a compound of formula (III), wherein Z.sup.1 and Z.sup.2 are halogen atoms. A process for the preparation of compounds of formula (II) and compounds of formula (II) themselves. A process for obtaining, in substantially pure form, a compound of formula (11) and compounds of formula (II) themselves. A process for obtaining, in substantially pure form, a compound of formula (11) wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are all hydrogen.

Abstract: Methods of controlling the brightness of a glow discharge which switches from a low brightness state to a high brightness state a given time after the start of an excitation pulse are described. In the first method, conventional pulse duration modulation produces a dimming ratio much greater than the ratio of duty factor variation. In the second method, a plurality of sets of pulses having different fixed durations but variable repetition rates are employed. In the third method, a plurality of sets of pulses having different relative durations have their pulse durations modulated in synchrony.

Abstract: A pretensioner for a vehicle safety restraint comprises a cylindrical hollow tube, a piston member located within the tube and connected via a cable to a part of the vehicle safety restraint, and a pyrotechnic charge which is activated in the event of a collision to evolve a volume of gas within the tube to move the piston from one end of the tube to the other, wherein a pressure relief port is provided in the tube at a point along its length which is close to the end of the tube toward which the piston is moved on activation of the pyrotechnic charge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pneumatically operable indication of when a pretensioner has operated in a vehicle passenger safety restraint system. The indication may be audible or visible, for example an inflatable brightly coloured balloon in the vehicle trim or a whistle or a flag. Such an indication ensures that the vehicle owner knows when the pretensioner feature of his vehicle is not available for a subsequent crash condition so that he can seek re-setting or servicing of the pretensioner at the earliest opportunity.

Abstract: An emergency locking passenger seat belt retractor is fitted with a pyrotechnic pretensioner actuator (221) which acts via a cable wound on a drum (213), the drum being located on frangible supports in a clutch housing and having internally formed cam surfaces which can act upon frangibly supported intermediate rollers (215) to displace them generally radially inwards to drivingly engage a part of the webbing reel to tighten the belt. Advantageously the drum and the locking rollers are supported on frangible pegs moulded with shim or plate members (222a, 222b), disposed on each side of the drum (213).

Abstract: A pretensioner latching mechanism having a main anchorage member (45) to be fixed to a frame (60) of a slideably adjustable vehicle seat, a further member (52) slideable along the first member under the action of a remote vehicle body mounted pretensioner through a bowden cable (49; 50) to shorten and latch an anchorage assembly (41, 42, 43, 45) by virtue of abutment of a spring loaded latch member (56) with one of a succession of abutments provided by apertures (46) of the main anchorage member.

Abstract: A Christmas tree stand comprises a lower, upwardly-open, downwardly-tapering socket for receiving the lower end of the trunk of the tree, an outer wall surrounding the socket and a top wall of a resilient plastics material capping the outer wall. A central aperture is formed through the top wall to overlie the socket and of a diameter substantially equal to that of the smallest trunk to be received within the stand, a plurality of substantially radial slots being formed in the top wall to define a plurality of leaves each of generally truncated sector shape and resiliently yieldable on the insertion therethrough and withdrawal therefrom of the trunk.

Abstract: A transfer device including means for movement of samples from a plurality of sites of a first separation to a plurality of sites of a second, different, separation, said means comprising a plurality of sampling elements capable of movement with respect to one another between said first separation and said second separation.The sample transfer device is particularly suited to the transfer of blood samples in blood grouping or other determinations.A method of sample transfer is also provided.