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: Peptides, the C-terminal amides thereof and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the said peptides and amides are useful in the prevention and treatment of pain.

Abstract: Solid polymer electrolytes for electrochromic devices are produced by dissolving lithium perchlorate and polymethylmethacrylate in propylene carbonate, all dried to below 10 ppm water, and screen printing or casting a film of the resulting solution followed by removal of solvent to leave a final polymer concentration of about 40% by weight based on the combined weight of polymer and solvent. Screen printability is conferred by a resin modifier such as MODAFLOW (TM).

Abstract: A method of assay of antioxidant activity of a sample of water, which comprises monitoring the change exerted by the sample on a luminescent reaction.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 represents hydrogen, a C.sub.1-6 aliphatic hydrocarbyl group or a C.sub.1-4 aliphatic hydrocarbyl group substituted by a C.sub.3-6 alicyclic hydrocarbyl group or by a phenyl group, which phenyl group is unsubstituted or substituted by a halogeno or C.sub.1-3 halogenoalkyl group, R.sub.2 represents hydrogen, R.sub.3 represents hydrogen, a 5-or 6-membered ring aromatic heterocyclyl group containing one or two heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur which is unsubstituted or substituted by a halogeno or C.sub.1-3 halogenoalkyl group, or a group AR wherein A is a straight chain C.sub.1-4 aliphatic hydrocarbyl group terminally substituted by R which is hydrogen, a phenyl group or a 5-or 6-membered ring aromatic heterocyclyl group containing one or two heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur, which phenyl or heterocyclyl group R is unsubstituted or substituted by a halogeno or C.sub.1-3 halogenoalkyl group, R.sub.4 and R.sub.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of proton-electron double-resonance magnetic resonance imaging in which a sample containing paramagnetic material is subjected to a polarizing magnetic field during a polarization period, a subsequent evolution period and thereafter a detection period, and the sample is subjected during the evolution period to radio-frequency radiation, at a frequency appropriate to the polarizing magnetic field then appertaining, so as to excite EPR resonance in the paramagnetic material, wherein during the detection period the sample is subjected to a series of NMR interrogating signals to derive therefrom a corresponding series of NMR image signals for combination in a complete NMR image.

Abstract: In an APT method, the surface-contact electrodes are located in a closed loop or rosette array on one planar, or nominally planar, skin surface of a body to be investigated, and electrically connected to data acquisition and processing equipment. The invention also includes apparatus for carrying out this method, comprising an array of surface-contact electrodes (8), adapted to be applied to the skin of a body to be investigated, the electrodes (8) being arranged on a flexible carrier (10) in a closed loop, or rosette formation on one common plane, or nominal plane.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for substituting a reference spread spectrum signal for a pilot tone or providing a reference spread spectrum signal where no pilot tone has been used. The invention has particular relevance when a large number of input channels are required for a broad band linear amplifier and when an omni-directional antenna is required for a repeater which may be prone to instability.

Abstract: The invention provides a probe and method for measuring parameters of fluid flow in a conduit within a human or animal body, with specific application to non-invasive measurement of the cross-sectional area of blood vessels, particularly the ascending aorta (24). A probe (1) contains an ultrasound transducer (2) and an acoustic reflector (4) drivable in an oscillatory manner by an electric motor (8). A narrow ultrasound beam (15) is directed downwardly via the suprasternal notch and swept by the reflector through an arc. The probe has an external dimension transverse to the ultrasound beam path which reduces substantially from the region of the transducer to the region where the beam exits the probe. The invention has application in monitoring cardiac output.

Abstract: Spatial NMR information is obtained from a sample by applying a magnetic field having a static component and two sinusoidally time varying gradient components (G.sub.y, G.sub.z), the period of one gradient component (G.sub.z) being preferably twice the period of the other gradient component (G.sub.y). An RF excitation pulse is applied at the instant both gradient field components are zero. A plurality of NMR sampling responses are produced by gradient echoes in data capture windows and the amplitudes of the gradient field components are varied to provide a desired distribution of sampling path in k-space in each data capture window the gradient field components are reversed in direction to enable all quadrants of k-space to be sampled.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating a mixture of particles comprising a chamber with an inlet and an outlet, means for providing an eluant flow between said inlet and said outlet, within the chamber an electrode structure of at least two electrodes, means for applying an alternating voltage between the electrodes, said electrode structure being such that when energized in operation of the apparatus there is established in the eluant a spatially non-uniform alternating field, whereby particles caused to flow through the chamber in said eluant flow are carried past the electrode structure and are separated into fractions. There may be an ancillary electrode structure of at least two electrodes placed upstream of the main electrode structure with regard to the direction of the flow of fluid. At least one of the electrodes of the electrode structure may be comprised of one or more grid like structures. The electrode structure may be comprised of interleaved grid like structures aligned to obstruct straight through flow.

Abstract: Integrated circuits such as transponders are attached to a substrate such as cardboard packaging material by adhering an integrated circuit in the substrate, applying a patch antenna to the substrate and the integrated circuit, and applying a sealing layer over the integrated circuit and at least a portion of the antenna. In variations of the method, an indentation may be formed in the substrate into which the integrated circuit is placed. The patch antenna may be screen printed onto the substrate and the integrated circuit, using conductive ink, or may be a metallic foil which is applied to the substrate and the integrated circuit. Where the integrated circuit is a transponder, it can be programmed with an identification code, either before or after being attached to the substrate.

Abstract: Sludges and slurries, e.g., oil, grease or paint based, are encapsulated into fly ash or similar particulate material by adding solvents to effect the encapsulation and absorption of the sludge. Subsequently, the particulate material is heated to remove the solvent, leaving a dry powder which may then be used as a filler for various applications, including production of breeze blocks.

Abstract: Quinazolines of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is typically methyl, hydrogen or amino; R.sup.2 is typically methyl or propargyl; Ar is typically phenylene or 2'-fluorophenylene; R.sup.3 is the residue of a dipeptide substituted, typically by methyl, at position (a), (b) or (c), shown in the following partial formula: ##STR2## R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6 and R.sup.8 are typically hydrogen, R.sup.7 is typically hydrogen or methyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester or amide thereof are of value in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Glassy coatings are made by curing in situ a coating of a sol gel of boron triethoxide, water, alcohol, and the alkoxides of: titanium and zirconium. A platey filler such as mica is present. The coating may be applied to teeth as a dental fissure sealant or varnish to protect restorations, or as an inherently coloured cosmetic coating, or as a prophylactic coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to an identification system comprising an interrogator and a plurality of transponders. The interrogator includes transmitter means for transmitting an interrogation signal to the transponder, receiver means for receiving a response signal from the transponder, and processor means for identifying the transponder from data in the response signal. Clock extraction means are further provided for extracting a transponder clock signal from the response signal which is used to synchronise the modification of the interrogation signal with the response signal from the transponder. Each transponder comprises receiver means for receiving the interrogation signal, a transponder clock generator, a code generator, transmitter means, and a modulator connected to the code generator, so that on receipt of the interrogation signal the transponder transmits a response signal containing data which identifies the transponder.

Abstract: An animal stall in which an animal is presented for milking with the udder and teats moved forward from the position when the animal stands normally to a position improving access for milking including a forward floor part fixable higher than a rear, entry, floor part whereby the animal adopts a posture other than that of the animal on a level floor.

Abstract: Heterocyclic amines of the formulaAr-X-A-NR.sup.1 R.sup.2wherein Ar is a bicyclic or tricyclic aromatic group which is unsubstituted or which bears one or more substituents selected from halo, nitro and cyano groups and alkyl and alkoxy groups each of up to 4 carbon atoms;wherein X is a direct link or is --O--, --S--, --SO-- or --SO.sub.2 -- or has the formula --C(R.sup.3).dbd.CH-- wherein R.sup.3 is hydrogen or alkyl of up to 4 carbon atoms;wherein A is straight or branched alkylene or alkenylene of 3 to 8 carbon atoms which may be interrupted by --O--, --S-- or --NH--;and wherein NR.sup.1 R.sup.2 is a cyclic amino group;or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, are of value for therapeutic use, particularly in the treatment of myocardial ischaemia and hypertension and in the treatment of fungal infections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for performing biochemical diagnostic assays. The device, which is preferably provided in a self-contained disposable form for use in extra-laboratory conditions, comprises two liquid flow channels of porous material which transfer liquid by capillary flow to a common site in sequentially timed manner following simultaneous application of the liquid to the ends of the channels. The channels interconnect at a certain point and then both continue in an arrangement analogous to an electrical bridge circuit. By selecting the hydraulic resistances of the arms of this circuit the flow can be controlled across the bridge. Balancing the circuit will produce null flow across the bridge and prevent the flow from one channel from dominating that from the other when the channels are saturated. Alternatively the arrangement can be such as to produce oscillating flow across the interconnection.

Abstract: An identification system comprises an interrogator and a number of transponders. The interrogator includes a transmitter for transmitting an interrogation signal to the transponder, and a receiver for receiving a response signal from the transponder. A micro-processor identifies the transponder from data in the response signal. Each transponder comprises a receiving antenna for receiving the interrogation signal, a code generator, a transmitting antenna, and a modulator connected to the code generator. On receipt of the interrogation signal the transponder repeatedly transmits a response signal containing data which identifies the transponder. The interrogator detects successful identification of any transponder and briefly interrupts the interrogation signal to indicate the successful identification. Each transponder includes a logic circuit responsive to a respective interruption in the interrogation signal to cease transmission of its own response signal.