Abstract: The present invention reveals the isolation, purification and characterization from the creosote bush Larrea tridentata of compounds of the structural formula: where R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each selected from the group consisting of HO—, CH3O— and CH3(C═O)O—, provided that R1, R2, R3 and R4 are not each HO—0 simultaneously. Each compound is a derivative of 1,4-bis-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-2,3-dimethylbutane (nordihydroquaiaretic acid, NDGA). In addition, NDGA and each derivative can be used in a method to suppress Tat transactivation of a lentivirus, including the HIV virus, in a cell by administering NDGA or a derivative of NDGA to the cell.

Abstract: A telescope or other viewing instrument is controlled to optimally observe objects based on continuous or periodic determinations of whether geometrical or physical constraints are satisfied over specific intervals of time, including a cumulative determination of background light. A program stores results in data structures for algorithm matching and for simplified adjustment of constraint parameters. Preliminary visibility intervals are determined using geometrical or physical constraints to restrict the computation. Other constraints such as limiting cumulative background light flux are used to determine the resulting visibility intervals based on the preliminary visibility intervals. A device for scheduling observations based on the visibility intervals is described. A method for determining calibration of the off-axis attenuation of background light is defined.

Abstract: A ducted fan gas turbine engine is provided with means for measuring the actual temperature of air exhausted from its high pressure compressor and means for computing a theoretical value of that temperature.

Abstract: An analytical test device useful for example in pregnancy testing, includes a hollow casing (500) constructed of moisture-impervious solid material, such as plastics materials, containing a dry porous carrier (510) which communicates indirectly with the exterior of the casing via a bibulous sample receiving member (506) which protrudes from the casing such that a liquid test sample can be applied to the receiving member and permeate therefrom to the porous carrier, the carrier containing in a first zone a labelled specific binding reagent is freely mobile within the porous carrier when in the moist state, and in a second zone spatially distinct from the first zone unlabelled specific binding reagent for the same analyte which unlabelled reagent is permanently immobilised on the carrier material and is therefore not mobile in the moist state, the two zones being arranged such that liquid sample applied to the porous carrier can permeate via the first zone into the second zone, and the device incorporating an a

Abstract: An analytical test device useful for example in pregnancy testing, includes a hollow casing (500) constructed of moisture-impervious solid material, such as plastics materials, containing a dry porous carrier (510) which communicates indirectly with the exterior of the casing via a bibulous sample receiving member (506) which protrudes from the casing such that a liquid test sample can be applied to the receiving member and permeate therefrom to the porous carrier, the carrier containing in a first zone a labelled specific binding reagent is freely mobile within the porous carrier when in the moist state, wherein the mobility is facilitated by a material comprising sugar, in a amount effective to reduce interaction between the test strip and the labelled reagent, and in a second zone spatially distinct from the first zone unlabeled specific binding reagent for the same analyte which unlabelled reagent is permanently immobilized on the carrier material and is therefore not mobile in the moist state, the two zo

Abstract: A novel strain of Enterococcus faecium, deposited as NCIMB 40371, has valuable probiotic properties and is particularly effective in alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in human patients. The novel strain can be used in the manufacture of human foodstuffs.

Abstract: Compounds of formula ##STR1## wherein Q is a --CH.sub.2 --, --CH.dbd.CH-- or --C.dbd.C--; U is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkylene; R.sup.1 is hydrogen, a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl or YR' in which Y stands for the radicals --SO-- or --SO.sub.2 -- and R' stands for a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, and additionally R.sup.2 and R.sup.3, when taken together with the starred carbon atom, may form a C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 carbocyclic ring; Z is hydrogen or hydroxy; and derivatives thereof. The compounds show antiinflammatory and immunomodulating effects as well as strong activity in inducing differentiation and inhibiting undesirable proliferation of certain cells. The compounds are prepared by adding an anion R.sup.- to 1(S),1(R)-bis-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl-oxy)-9,10-secopregna-5(E),7(E),10(1 9)-triene-20-one and the resulting compound is alkylated or acylated with R.sup.1 X.sup.1 where X.sup.

Abstract: A novel process is disclosed utilizing a subtraction hybridization technique for producing DNA hybridization probes of high specific activity or cDNA subtraction libraries, useful in connection with the cloning of differentially expressed genes. A preparation of single stranded cDNA derived from transcript mRNA of a target cell source is subjected to subtraction hybridization using excess single stranded "driver" nucleic acid from a reference cell source so that all the cDNA having a nucleotide sequence complementary to transcript mRNA of the reference cell source is subtracted by annealing with the "driver" nucleic acid to form duplex molecules.

Abstract: Cheese product essentially free of additives which are to be declared other than usual cheese product ingredients. The cheese product consists mainly of a renneted casein matrix having enclosed therein discrete agglomerates of acid casein in an amount of 5-35% wt. calculated on the total amount of protein contained in the cheese. A process of manufacturing this cheese product comprises adding 5-35% wt. of acid casein calculated on the total amount of protein solids to an emulsion and making the cheese product by renneting at temperatures above 20.degree. C. while keeping it free from said additives.

Abstract: An E-O probe for a two-dimentional voltage detecting apparatus using a fiber optic plate is provided. The fiber optic plate has a bottom face facing a measured object and a bundle of a plurality of cores separated from one another by cladding electro-optic material is attached to an end of each core at said bottom face side. A reflecting surface is provided on the bottom face side of the fiber optic plate for reflecting light back toward the side of the fiber optic plate opposite said bottom face. The refractive index of said electro-optic material varies in response to the intensity of an electric field applied to the electro-optic material. A two-dimentional voltage detecting apparatus using the E-O probe is further provided which has a high spatial resolution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for depositing objects at separated locations on a movable belt. The device includes at least one channel through which objects enter the apparatus. Each channel includes a plurality of gates disposed along the channel. These gates operate sequentially to incrementally move the objects individually through the channel towards the movable belt. A sensor locates empty spaces along the movable belt, into which the objects are deposited. The movable belt is usually part of a conveyor system and may be a slotted belt or a smooth belt.

Abstract: A method of NQR testing a sample having at least one NQR property which varies with a given environmental parameter comprises applying excitation to the sample to excite NQR resonance and detecting the NQR response signal. The excitation is such as to excite an NQR response signal which is detectable during the detection step over a predetermined range of the environmental parameter. The invention also relates to a method of, and apparatus for, NQR testing for the presence of selected nuclei (particularly nuclei of integral spin quantum number, such as .sup.14 N) in a sample. It also relates to a method of determining the spatial distribution of temperature within a sample.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a coated foodstuff comprising a substantially uncooked foodstuff portion enrobed in a heat-set batter whereby the batter is set by exposing the coated foodstuff to targeted dielectric heat.

Abstract: A compound of formula ##STR1## in which X is hydrogen or a group of formula --SO.sub.2 NH.sub.2 is reduced to the trans (4S,6S) form of the corresponding alcohol by an enzyme reduction system.

Abstract: A supported or cast film of a polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer, such as a polyhydroxybutyrate/valerate polymer, can be prepared by applying a layer of molten polymer to a cool (typically 4.degree. to 20.degree. C.) surface not substantially above the glass transition temperature of the polymer, so as to form a solid, glassy film with a high density of nucleation sites; subsequently the temperature of the film so formed is raised, for example to 40.degree. C. or more, towards the optimum temperature for growth of the polymer's spherulites effectively separating the film formation/nucleation step from the crystallisation step (growth of spherulites around the nucleation sites). Smaller crystallites are formed, and the film has improved barrier properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hitherto unknown compounds of formula; Y stands for --CH.dbd.CH--; R.sub.1 is hydrogen or halogen, preferably fluorine, chlorine or bromine; R.sub.2 is halogen, preferably fluorine, chlorine or bromine, CH.sub.3, OCH.sub.3, NO.sub.2 or CF.sub.3, and n=0-3, preferably 0, 1 or 2; A stands for an acidic group, e.g. carboxy, 1-H-tetrazolyl or a hydroxamic acid group. The present compounds are of value in the human and veterinary practice as lipoxygenase inhibitors and/or leukotriene antagonists.

Abstract: An eccentric shaft 5 is radially slidably inserted in a bore 6a of a bushing 6, which is inserted in an opening 8c-1 of a boss portion 8c of a movable scroll member 8 by way of a radial needle bearing 7. An axial space 24 is confined between a rear end of a bushing 6 and a bottom surface of the opening 8c-1. The space 24 is in communication with the radial bearing 7 via an annular gap 26 between faced surfaces of bushing 6 and the opening 8c-1. A radial space 23 is confined between the inner surface of the bore 6a and the eccentric shaft 5, so that a limited radial movement of the eccentric shaft 5 with respect to the bushing 6 is allowed. A washer 21 for obtaining a fixed axial location of the bushing 6 on the eccentric shaft 5 is formed with recess 21b (first passageway 25) for communicating the radial space 23 with the axial space 24. The bushing 6 is further formed with a radial hole 27 (second passageway) for communicating the radial space 23 with a crank chamber R.

Abstract: A soft shell reservoir bag is provided as a storage reservoir for blood in a bypass extracorporeal circuit during open heart surgery. The reservoir bag is constructed to allow for the easy venting of air and to prevent the accidental delivery of air to patient. Blood enters the reservoir through the inlet port, passes through the microscreen and exits through the outlet port to a pump which feeds an oxygenator. The shape of the bag and component disposition give the bag its main advantages. The inlet port is positioned above the outlet port which puts a larger volume above the outlet port which promotes mixing and no vortex. Also the shape above the outlet port gives the bag a low hold-up volume and lower resistance to keep the bag open. The shape also promotes low venous resistance.

Abstract: A method and device which is used to insert an implant in order for treating an eye with glaucoma in order to lower the intraocular pressure of the eye. The implant is an artificial meshwork formed into a pocket configuration. The implant is attached to a guide knife which is inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye. The knife is then removed leaving the implant in place. During the operation, a prismatic lens with c-shaped vacuum ring is used to help assist the surgeon in viewing the anterior chamber of the eye and stabilizing the eye.

Abstract: An air conditioning machine has a unit main body having an inlet port and an outlet port. The unit main body includes a cross flow fan, having a circular cross section, for introducing indoor air into the unit main body through the inlet port and blowing the air into the room. A heat exchanger is arranged on an indoor air introducing side of the cross flow fan and bent at a portion along a longitudinal direction of the heat exchanger at an acute angle. The heat exchanger has a front side heat exchanger located on a front side of the air conditioning machine and curved along the circular cross section of the cross flow fan and a rear side heat exchanger located on a rear side thereof.