Abstract: A camera for use in holography comprises a source of coherent radiation (55), a beam splitter (55,56) for splitting radiation from said source into a reference and a recording beam, a film holder (62) for holding a recording medium (61), means for directing the reference beam on to the recording medium, means for directing the recording beam on to an object and means for combining the recording beam after reflection from the object with the reference beam to form a hologram within the recording medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for an early stage detection of three specific pregnancy-related disorders: preeclampsia, intrauterine growth retardation and preterm delivery. According to the method, an antigen consisting of a specific human-derived placental soluble protein, known as PP-13, is determined by radioimmunoassay or ELISA. In the radioimmunoassay method, the PP-13 is labelled by a radioactive iodine and the bounded iodine is counted and correlated with standard curves. The best results are obtained when the protein to be labelled by radioactive iodine is present at a concentration of above 0.71 mg/ml. In case of the ELISA method, the quantitative determination of PP-13 is carried out with an alkaline phosphatase substrate and measured at an optical density of 405 nm.

Abstract: A process for the production of a polyvalent vaccine effective in the prevention and treatment of mastitis in bovine animals is disclosed, which comprises periodically culturing the milk of animals exhibiting preclinical mastitis to cultivate any pathogens present therein, killing those pathogens and incorporating each strain of cultivated, killed pathogen in a pharmacological carrier together with all other strains previously identified. The process is repeated to ensure all newly appearing pathogenic strains are vaccinated against. The vaccine so produced has been demonstrated to be effective in reversal of hard udder syndrome.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I), wherein X.sup.1 and X.sup.5 are each separately selected from hydrogen and C.sub.1-4 alkyl, halogeno and halogeno-substituted C.sub.1-4 alkyl groups: X.sup.2, X.sup.3 and X.sup.4 are each separately selected from hydrogen and C.sub.1-4 alkyl, hydroxy, C.sub.1-4 alkoxy and phenoxy groups; R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each separately selected from hydrogen and C.sub.1-4 alkyl groups; R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each hydrogen or together constitute the second bond of a carbon-carbon double bond joining --CR.sup.1 R.sup.3 and --CR.sup.2 R.sup.4 ; and Y is hydroxymethyl, formyl, cyano, carbamoyl, carbamoyl N-substituted by one or two of the same or different C.sub.1-4 alkyl groups, carboxy or a carboxylic ester or carboxylate salt, are of value as avian repellents.

Abstract: A diketopiperazine compound designated cycloechinulin has been isolated from the sclerotia of the fungi Aspergillus ochraceus. The compound is effective for controlling Coleopteran and Lepidopteran insects.

Abstract: Novel bisphosphonates comprise compounds of the formula (I) ##STR1## wherein m and l are independently 1 or 2; R.sub.1 represents hydrogen, a lower alkyl group, or an alkali metal cation; R.sub.2 represents hydrogen, a lower alkyl group or an alkali metal cation; Y represents .dbd.0 or .dbd.N--OH, or --OH; and X represents --(CH.sub.2).sub.n --, a branched alkylene group, or a branched or straight alkenylene or alkynylene chain optionally substituted by one or more oxygen or nitrogen atoms, wherein n is an integer from 3 to 24; with the provision that when l.dbd.m.dbd.1, Y is .dbd.0, and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 denote a lower alkyl group, n represents an integer from 9 to 20; and with the provision that when l.dbd.m.dbd.2, Y is --OH and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are methyl groups, n represents an integer from 9-24; and with the further provision that when l.dbd.m.dbd.2, Y is --OH and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are hydrogen, n represents 3, 5 or an integer from 7 to 24; or X is--(CH.sub.2).sub.p --(OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.

Abstract: Heteroarylethenediyl compounds wherein the heteroaryl group can be mono- or icyclic heteroaryl and the aryl group can be or mono- or bicyclic carbocyclic, said compound optionally substituted or polysubstituted, with the proviso that the heteroaryl group is not furyl or thienyl when the ethenediyl group has geminal cyano substituents, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds, and the use thereof for inhibiting a protein tyrosine kinase portion of a receptor selected from epidermal growth factor and platelet derived growth factor in a patient suffering from such disorder.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically processing an animal carcass (8). Suspension means (122, 123) suspends the carcass (8) in an inverted position with the spine inclined upwardly towards the neck (11) with the spine located beneath the carcass (8) and so that the diaphragm (119) is approximately vertical. A cutting assembly, (130) moves into the abdominal cavity adjacent to the diaphragm (119), and a cutting means (28) cuts the diaphragm (119) around the periphery. A brisket shearing means (21) cuts the brisket (20) with a shearing action along the brisket (20) from the abdomen and towards the neck end of the brisket (20). The reaction member (188) is pivotally movable relative to the brisket (20) about a rear end to generally follow the contours of the brisket (20).

Abstract: The measurement of integrated densities of irregularly shaped areas of a subject specimen is accomplished by using a video camera to derive an analog video image signal representative of the optical intensity of light associated with the specimen. A modified low cost high speed video digitizer converts the video image signal into a digital format which an interactive computer program converts into digital optical density values that are used to determine the net integrated density of each irregularly shaped area within the specimen.

Abstract: Apparatus for digital imaging including at least one electron multiplier arranged to receive beta radiation from a sample, apparatus for collimating the beta radiation without totally blocking all radiation from any location within a given region of interest on the sample, and readout electrodes operative in response to electrons from the electron multiplier to provide a first output indication of the incidence and location of beta radiation from the sample.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a concentrate from juice that may be used to make a powder that can be reconstituted as a juice drink by addition of water to the powder or to make a taffy-like solid that may be consumed without being reconstituted and in which the juice is freeze or spray dried, includes the use of lubricants and/or dextran to improve the texture of the dried juice so that it may be packaged and stored for later consumption.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inducing the production of a milk anti-hypertensive factor in an animal, to a method for the isolation of said factor from the milk of said animal in a substantially pure form, and to the use of said factor to treat hypertension in humans and other animals, and to compositions containing the anti-hypertensive factor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for use in methods of assay, for example those involving fluorescent moieties. The device possesses a cavity or cavities into which the sample liquid may be drawn by capillary action. Each cavity is formed from two transparent solid plates (35,36): one (36) is adapted to act as a waveguide and carries a suitable immobilized reagent on its surface within the cavity; the other (35) carries on its external surface and optionally also on part only of its internal surface a layer of light-absorbing material (37). The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing devices according to the invention, and to a method of assaying for a ligand in a sample using a device according to the invention.

Abstract: An adjustable-resistance anti-siphon device for a cerebrospinal fluid shunt is provided. The device has a substantially rigid housing having an internal cavity which contains a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber having at least one flexible wall, an inlet port and an outlet port, the ports passing through apertures in the housing; the second chamber being gas-filled and being in pressure communication with at least a portion of the at least one flexible wall of the first chamber; and gas pressure control means connected to said gas-filled chamber whereby the pressure in said gas-filled chamber may be adjusted.

Abstract: An X-ray detector including a photocathode arranged to receive X-ray radiation and being operative to provide in response thereto an output of electrons, and at least one electron multiplier operative at subatmospheric pressure and in response to the output of electrons from the photocathode to provide an avalanche including an increased number of electrons.

Abstract: An improved simple, efficient, safe, economical, and fast transmembrane loading procedure for efficient active loading of weak amphiphatic drugs into liposomes using the transmenbrane gradient. The resulting liposomes loaded with the amphiphatic drug are stable and safe. A storageable form of loadable liposomes has extended period of stability. The reversed procedure is applicable for sustained release of liposome encapsulated drugs from ammonium liposomes.

Abstract: To combat the accumulation of plaque on dentures, a non self-supporting coating of a non-toxic, negatively charged polysaccharide is applied. The polysaccharide coating is gradually sacrificed or ablated during wear. Ablation appears to remove microorganisms along with coating material. The polysaccharide is further defined by an ability to reduce the adhesion of Streptococcus salivarius cells in a simple in vitro bacterial adhesion test by at least 25% over a control.

Abstract: A novel fungal strain of the species Ampelomyces quisqualis has been isolated and pure cultures thereof prepared. This novel strain is termed AQ10 and has CNCM Accession Number I-807, and was found to be a hyperparasite of the causative fungi of powdery mildew. Conidia obtained from this novel strain or mutants thereof may be formulated into phytological compositions and used effectively as a biocide for controlling powdery mildew infestations.

Abstract: A process for the production of tocopherols (T) and tocotrienols (T3) from palm fatty acid distillates (PFAD). The process includes converting free fatty acids and glycerides in PFAD into alkyl esters, then separating T and T3 from the alkyl esters and other impurities. The T and T3 are concentrated by ion-exchange and further concentrated by distilling the resulting product. Specific catalysts and optimum temperatures for the process are included. The resulting purified tocopherols and tocotrienols are useful substances, exhibiting antioxidant and physiological activities.

Abstract: A condensing furnace which includes an outdoor coil of the type having aluminum fins pressed to copper tubes through which a refrigerant is conducted. Heat is generated, preferably from a flame, and the relatively intense temperature (approximately 2200.degree. F.) is de-intensified before reaching the aluminum fins by generally sinusoidal de-intensifier tubes positioned between the flames and the fins of the coil. Since the de-intensifier tubes reduce the temperature of the flue of gases virtually instantly to approximately 50.degree. F., condensation forms not only upon the de-intensifier tubes but also upon the aluminum fins of the coil which prevents acidic deterioration and corrosion thereof, while at the same time maintaining extremely high Btu absorption.