Abstract: The invention provides a nebulizer and spray chamber (3) for producing an aerosol (7) suitable for feeding into the plasma torch of an ICP or MIP emission or mass spectrometer. The aerosol (7) is subjected to rapid radiative heating (26) to evaporate the smaller droplets to dryness and preferably to cause the larger droplets to disintegrate into smaller droplets before they are completely evaporated. Nebulizer/spray chamber combinations according to the invention have higher sample transport efficiency than prior types. Optical and mass ICP and MIP spectrometers incorporating the nebulizer and spray chamber are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of preparing functionalized particles including (a) treating an activated substrate (CPG) with a bifunctional cross-linking agent containing a cleavable bond so as to immobilize the cross-linking agent, (b) conjugating an activated particle (P) with the immobilized cross-linking agent, and (c) cleaving the cleavable bond so as to separate the particle (P) from the substrate (CPG). The functionalized particles subsequently can be conjugated to biologically active molecules for use in assay methods.

Abstract: Compositions comprising certain macrolides are disclosed which are useful in methods for the treatment of reversible obstructive airway diseases, particularly asthma.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the elemental composition of a sample (1) by plasma mass spectroscopy comprises introducing a said sample (1) into an inductively-coupled or microwave-induced plasma formed in an inert gas to generate atomic ions from the elements present in it; passing at least some of said atomic ions through a nozzle-skimmer interface (15-21) into an evacuated chamber (23), said interface comprising electrode means (19, 39) for determining the electrical potential at which said atomic ions enter said evacuated chamber (23) so that atomic ions of a given mass-to-charge ratio enter said chamber with a particular kinetic energy; energy filtering (40) the ions entering said chamber to prevent at least molecular ions of approximately said given mass-to-charge ratio having kinetic energies less than said particular kinetic energy from passing through; and mass filtering (22) the ions passed by the energy filter and detecting those of said ions having said given mass-to-charge ratio.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for investigating a small selected area of the surface of a specimen. The specimen is irradiated by a primary beam of X-rays or electrons to cause it to emit electrons. These are collected by a novel electron-optical arrangement and are used to create an image of the selected area of the surface using only those electrons emitted with energies lying in a specified range. Apparatus according to the invention has greater sensitivity and spatial resolution than previously known apparatus.

Abstract: A method for determining one member of an enzyme-substrate pair (the analyte), comprises bringing the members of the pair into contact so as to form, directly or indirectly, a soluble reaction product at or adjacent the surface of an optical waveguide biosensor. The biosensor is preferably a resonant optical biosensor based on the principle of frustrated total reflection.

Abstract: An elastomeric cap for use in an aerosol inhalation device is disclosed. The cap prevents blockage and the buildup of accretions of medicament on the valve stem of the inhalation device and shields the valve stem from the breath of a user of the inhalation device.

Abstract: Apparatus for the determination of a chemical or biochemical species comprises a resonant optical biosensor (1-4) disposed in a light path between a pivotally-mounted source (5) of monochromatic light and a stationary detector (12) adapted to monitor some characteristic of the light. There is provided means (7) for causing pivotal motion of the light source (5) so as to vary the angle of incidence of the light on the sensor (1-4). Also provided is means for monitoring the instantaneous angle of incidence. The means for varying the angle of incidence of the light on the sensor may be a cam arrangement (7) acting on a pivoting member (6) carrying the light source (5), and the means for monitoring the instantaneous angle of incidence of the light on the sensor (1-4) may comprise means for monitoring the number of steps performed by a stepper motor driving the cam arrangement (7).

Abstract: A compacted body of powdered medicament for use in a device for the administration by inhalation of a medicament in powdered form. The compacted body is made by compressing a loose powder containing the medicament in powdered form under pressure to create sufficient structural integrity in the body to permit metering of several unit doses of the medicament by abrasion of the body in the device.

Abstract: A chemical sensor includes a piezoelectric support (1) capable of supporting a shear horizontal wave provided on its surface with an electrode (2,3). The sensor is characterized in that the surface of the piezoelectric support (1) including the region bearing the electrode (2,3) is covered by a layer of dielectric material (9) of thickness 0.5 to 20 microns. The piezoelectric support (1) is preferably a single crystal. The dielectric layer (1) may be of, for example, silicon dioxide or a suitable polymer, and preferably has a thickness of between 0.5 and 5 .mu.m.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical formulation comprising a substantially clear aqueous solution having a viscosity of less than 10 mPa.s containing 3.5 to 5% w/v of 1,3-bis(2-carboxychromon-5-yloxy)-propan-2-ol, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as active ingredient and glycerol, the concentration of ions of metals of groups IIA, IB, IIB and IVB of the periodic table or of transition metals being less than 20 ppm.

Abstract: A multiple charged-particle detector system includes a plurality of charged-particle detector assemblies (10-12) which are each made up of a first arm (19-22) and a second arm (24-27) extending at an angle to each other. Charged particles (4-7) enter an aperture (14-18) at the entrance of the first arm (19-22) of each detector assembly (10-12) and strike a dynode (30-33) positioned at the intersection of the two arms causing electrons to be emitted by the dynode (30-33). Some of the electrons pass into the second arms (24-27) of the detector assemblies (10-12) and are detected by a continuous-dynode electron multiplier (35-38). The first arms (19-22) are narrower than the detectors (35-38), and the detector assemblies (10-12) are arranged in such a way that the minimum separation at which charged-particle beams (4-7) can be detected is determined by the widths of the said first arms (19-22) of the detector assemblies (10-12), and not by the widths of the detectors (35-38) themselves.

Abstract: Methods of glycosylation analysis are described in which a sample containing one or more specific oligosaccharide(s) (the analyte) is contacted with a surface on which is immobilized a glycosidase specific for the analyte and/or a specific binding partner for a product of the action of a glycosidase on the analyte. The surface may be the active surface of a biosensor, e.g., a biosensor based on the principle of frustrated total reflection.

Abstract: A charged particle analyzer which irradiates a specimen and analyzes charged particles emitted therefrom, for example a photo electron spectrometer, having a flood-source which emits charged particles to neutralize the charge which develops on a specimen. The analyzer is provided with electrostatic and magnetic lenses which may be used separately or in combination. The flood source is provided within the lens column of the analyzer and is arranged such that when the electrostatic lens is in use, the charged particles emitted by the flood source pass around the outside of the objective electrostatic lens element, whereas when the magnetic lens is in use, or when both lenses are in use, they pass through that element.

Abstract: A method of treatment of a condition selected from the group comprising conjunctivitis, keratitis, `allergic eyes`, adenovirus infections, corneal homograft rejection, anterior uveitis, nasal polyps, vasomotor rhinitis, allergic manifestations of the nasopharynx, reversible obstructive airways disease, Crohn's disease, distal colitis and proctitis, which method comprises administration to a patient suffering from such a condition of a therapeutically effective amount of an aqueous solution containing, as active ingredient, 9-ethyl-6,9-dihydro-4,6-dioxo-10-propyl-4H-pyrano(3,2-g)quinoline-2,8-dica rboxylic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Also described are novel pharmaceutical compositions suitable for use in such methods of treatment.

Abstract: A sensor, particularly a resonant optical biosensor based on the principle of frustrated total reflection, includes an optical structure comprising: a) a cavity layer (3) of transparent dielectric material of refractive index n.sub.3, b) a dielectric substrate (1) of refractive index n.sub.1, and c) interposed between the cavity layer (3) and the substrate (1), a dielectric spacer layer (2) of refractive index n.sub.2. The arrangement is such that the optical structure may be illuminated by a beam of incident radiation, internal reflection occurring at the interface between the substrate (1) and the spacer layer (2). The device is characterised in that the cavity layer (3) or the spacer layer (2) absorbs at the wavelength of the incident radiation. The cavity layer (3) or the spacer layer (2) comprises a material which is either absorbing or is doped with an absorbing species, most preferably a fluorophore.

Abstract: There are disclosed compounds of the formula (I): ##STR1## in which the variables R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, and X are defined in the specification. The compounds are useful as pharmaceuticals, especially as anti-inflammatory agents.

Abstract: A long-range SPR sensor includes: (a) a source of electromagnetic radiation, (b) an optical structure including a block of material transparent to the electromagnetic radiation, a spacer layer of dielectric material, a metallic layer, and a sensitive layer capable of reaction with a sample to be tested, and (c) apparatus for monitoring radiation from the source which is incident upon the block and which is internally reflected at the interface between the block and the spacer layer. A thin layer of dielectric material of high refractive index is interposed between the metallic layer and the layer of sensitive material. The provision of the thin layer of dielectric material between the metal layer and the sample under test enables the advantages of long-range SPR to be more fully realized, notably a very sharp resonance with corresponding improvements in sensitivity.

Abstract: A device for performing both elemental and structural analysis of a crystalline sample, comprising a polychromatic x-ray source (11); a mounting means (15) for mounting the sample so that it is illuminated with x-rays; one or more fluorescence channels (17), able to select x-rays of a particular wavelength and energy and having means (20) for detecting said selected x-ray; a diffraction channel (28) able to select a characteristic x-ray wavelength at said source (11) following diffraction of the x-rays by said sample (14) and having means (33) for detecting a selected characteristic x-ray; and an actuating means (32) for controlling arcuate movement of said diffraction channel (28) relative to said sample (14) so as to detect x-rays leaving the sample at different diffraction angles.

Abstract: The method includes the steps of assembling one or more blanks (1) in supporting means (2, 3) so that the or each blank occupies at least the space to be occupied by elongate electrodes and, without disturbing the position of the blanks relative to said supporting means, removing material from all said blanks to generate said electrodes in position in said supporting means. Preferably the material is removed by an electrode-discharge machining (EDM) process, e.g. diesinking. The method avoids time-consuming alignment of preformed electrodes in said supporting means.