Abstract: HCMV glycoproteins B and H have been identified. The gB protein is encoded by DNA in the HindIII F fragment of the HCMV genome lying between 1378 and 4095 bases from the F/D boundary. The gH protein is encoded by DNA in the HindIII L fragment lying between 228 and 2456 bases from the L/D boundary. The genes have been incorporated in recombinant vaccinia vectors and expressed in host animals to raise HCMV-neutralizing antibody, thereby indicating vaccine potential. The glycoproteins can also be used in a variety of different ways, as vaccines or in the production, purification or detection of HCMV antibody.

Abstract: HCMV glycoproteins B and H have been identified. The gB protein is encoded by DNA in the HindIII F fragment of the HCMV genome lying between 1378 and 4095 bases from the F/D boundary. The gH protein is encoded by DNA in the HindIII L fragment lying between 228 and 2456 bases from the L/D boundary.The genes have been incorporated in recombinant vaccinia vectors and expressed in host animals to raise HCMV-neutralising antibody, thereby indicating vaccine potential. The glycoproteins can also be used in a variety of different ways, as vaccines or in the production, purification or detection of HCMV antibody.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleotide probes, kits and methods for the detection and differentiation of Mycobacteria. The gene probes, kits and methods are useful for the diagnosis of tuberculosis and/or for epidemiological study tools for investigating the progress of infections caused by Mycobacteria.The gene probes as provided comprise part or all of nucleotide sequences provided in the soecification or an allele or a derivative of the nucleotide sequences.The gene probes can distinguish between M.tuberculosis, M.bovis and BCG as well as being able to distinguish between different strains of M.tuberculosis. The probes do not show significant hybridisation to nucleic acids from M.paratuberculosis, M.intracellulare, M.scrofulaceum, M.phlei, M.fortuitum, M.kansasii, M.avium, M.malnioense. M.flavescens, M.gordonae and M.chelonei.

Abstract: HOBr solution for biocidal treatment is produced by electrolysis of mixed chloride/bromide solution. The chloride: bromide molar ratio is greater than 4:1. The molar ratio and rate and period of electrolysis can be selected so as to result in high yield of HOBr, preferably over 90% of theory, and little or no residual HOCl. The process can suitably be carried out by recirculating the mixed halide electrolyte through an electrolytic cell for a time appropriate to achieve the desired result, and then discharging the solution to a receiving system.

Abstract: An analyzer for detecting explosives has at least one source and a plurality of gamma ray detectors. An article to be analyzed is moved adjacent the source and detectors and is subjected to neutrons which generate gamma rays in any nitrogen in the article. The gamma rays are detected and analyzed to determine the nitrogen concentration within the article. In order to achieve an area of uniform detection there are a plurality of detectors equidistant both from each source and from the article to be analyzed. In order to avoid a decrease in sensitivity away from the sources and detectors, there may be a second opposing array of sources and detectors on the opposite side of the articles. For greatest uniformity of detection, a source in one array opposes a detector in the other array and vice versa. Transmission of radiation from the analyzer is kept at safe levels by enclosing the analyzer within shielding which includes shield members extending from a trolley or other transport mechanisms.

Abstract: An apparatus for investigating a sample with ultrasound has a probe head formed by a casing, a transducer element of piezoelectric plastics material, and a source for applying a high frequency pulse to the sample. The source is preferably one end of an optical fibre, which fibre extends to a laser remote from the probe head. The transducer element is connected to the sample by an acoustic coupling medium, e.g. water. Thus, the probe head can be moved relative to the sample, and a compact, but efficient, structure is achieved.

Abstract: A hollow glass waveguide such as an optical fibre comprises a glass cladding containing in excess of 90 mole % germanium dioxide, the balance of the cladding being made up of modifying oxides such as network modifiers and intermediate modifiers. The use of high concentrations of germanium dioxide results in the waveguide having good optical properties in the 9-11 .mu.m wavelength range e.g. low transmission losses. The incorporation of small quantities of modifying oxides produces improved physical properties e.g. better fibre drawing capability and reduced tendency to devitrification. A particularly preferred cladding contains 94 mole % GeO.sub.2, 3 mole % Na.sub.2 O and 3 mole % Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.

Abstract: A cord, thread or filament is treated by applying to it a dilute solution of a polysiloxane prepolymer which is then cured, such that either (a) the outer envelope of the cord, thread or filament is enrobed, or (b) in the case of a cord or thread, the filaments thereof are substantially individually encapsulated by, a coating of cured polysiloxane polymer. The treated cords, threads and filaments have inter alia improved abrasion and fray resistance, water repellance and slip qualities.

Abstract: A piezoelectric transducer of piezoelectric plastic material comprises a body and activated transducer film formed integrally. Electrodes are formed on opposite sides of the film, and a backing material supports the film on one side. The transducer may be formed by molding, applying the electrodes and activating the film by means of a corona discharge.

Abstract: The ends of bristles of a brush, e.g. a toothbrush, are treated with a polysiloxane prepolymer which is then cured. The treated bristles are smooth and round-ended.

Abstract: A gas sensor has a layer of a semiconductor organic polymer, such as polypyrrole which is exposed to a gas to be detected. An alternating electric signal of varying frequency is applied to the sensor by an analyser, which detects the change in impedance characteristics of the sensor. The characteristics obtained are compared by microcomputer with reference characterisitcs stored in a memory. The resulting difference spectra depend on the gas in contact with the sensor and so the gas can be detected.

Abstract: A prepolymer composition for forming a scratch-resistant coating, comprising an acidic, aqueous solution of a polysiloxane prepolymer having non-coreactive side groups and co-reactive side groups other than hydrolysable groups, the composition being curable by evaporation of solvent and a decrease in acidity causing the co-reactive groups to react together to cross-link the polymer. Suitable co-reactive side groups are amino, epoxy and thiol. Suitable non-coreactive side groups are alkyl and gamma methacryloxy propyl. Acidity is suitably achieved by using a volatilisable organic acid such as acetic acid, so that it evaporates with the solvents to decrease the acidity.

Abstract: An analysis method and system for analyzing coal or other material causes the material to be bombarded with neutrons from a source, and this generates gamma rays from the material which are detected by a detector. The detector has scintillators which generate light when a gamma ray is detected, the light being detected by photomultipliers. Each gamma ray generates two other gamma rays, which may both be wholly absorbed in one or the other scintillator, or one absorbed in one scintillator and one in the other. By analyzing these events, the spectrum of gamma rays may be obtained, giving the composition of the material. One preferred detector has an array of scintillators and coincident gamma ray detection events in three adjacent scintillators detected by detecting if a primary scintillator detector event is coincident with detection events in the other two scintillators.

Abstract: A hollow optical fibre waveguide for low loss transmission at mid infra-red wavelengths, and particularly in the region of the CO.sub.2 laser wavelength of 10.6 microns, is made of a germanium dioxide based glass, preferably comprising not less than 80 wt. % GeO.sub.2 and not more than 20 wt. % PbO, and has at least the inner surface of the hollow glass fibre devitrified and/or provided with a thin germanium lining. This change at the inner surface of the hollow fibre reduces transmission loss at the wavelengths of interest, and is effected by heat treatment at a temperature of at least 400.degree. C., simultaneously with exposure of the inner surface to a reducing atmosphere if a thin germanium layer is required at the inner surface.

Abstract: Control apparatus for controlling a windscreen wiper in accordance with the mean moisture level on the windscreen includes a microprocessor 9 arranged to detect via input 22 the time a wiper motor 1 takes to sweep the windscreen. The microprocessor calculates an appropriate delay in dependence on the detected sweep time and then causes a subsequent sweep via transistor 4. The delay is varied automatically by the microprocessor so as to rapidly clear the windscreen and then stop the wiper.

Abstract: A piezoelectric transducer comprising a casing having an opening in one face and a piezoelectric element extending across the opening has a casing containing a backing material in direct contact with the piezoelectric element. The backing material comprises a polymeric composition which may contain a heavy metal oxide, e.g. BiO, or a metal, e.g. Ni, in particulate form, and/or may contain particles of a material of lower specific gravity than the surrounding composition, the distribution of said particles being such that they are most concentrated in a region remote from the piezoelectric element and are least concentrated or essentially absent in the region immediately adjacent the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies reactive to immediate early and/or early HCMV. The detection of antigens (especially HCMV antigens) by concentrating them on a support and reacting them with monoclonal antibody. The support may be a nitrocellulose membrane (immunodot). Alternatively the support may be a bead carrying a different monoclonal antibody, the two antibodies reacting with different epitopic sites on the antigenic protein. The use of HCMV monoclonal antibody in distinguishing between HCMV-specific IgM and IgG.