Abstract: 1-Ethers may be cracked over untreated ?-alumina having a pore volume of more than 1.0 cc/g and an average pore diameter of more than 150 angstroms (?) at a temperature from 250 to 350° C. and a pressure from 10 to 200 kPa at high conversions and good selectivity to produce the corresponding 1-alkene. The process is particularly useful to produce 1-octene from 1-methoxyoctane.

Abstract: A read/write arm for use in an optical memory system. The read/write arm of the present invention has reflective surfaces for directing an optical beam from the arm rotation axis on to an optical disk. The arm features a lightweight lens mounted at one end of the arm for focusing a light beam onto an optical disk. The focal distance of the light beam may be adjusted using piezoelectric actuators mounted on the read/write arm for precisely deflecting the arm. The light beam may be further adjusted through use of a relay lens interposed between a collimating lens and the object lens. This arrangement is advantageously optimized through the use of feedback loops.

Abstract: The invention provides novel sulphonylurea, sulphonylthiourea and sulphonylguanidine compounds which have the ability to block potassium ion channels regulated by intracellular concentrations of ATP. Methods of synthesis, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the treatment of conditions such as type II diabetes, cardiac arrhythmias, ischaemic and hypoxic cardiovascular incidents, and cancers are also claimed.