Abstract: The present invention is directed to contulakin-G (which is the native glycosylated peptide), a des-glycosylated contulakin-G (termed Thr10-contulakin-G), and derivatives thereof, to a cDNA clone encoding a precursor of this mature peptide and to a precursor peptide. The invention is further directed to the use of this peptide as a therapeutic for anti-seizure, anti-inflammatory, anti-shock, anti-thrombus, hypotensive, analgesia, anti-psychotic, Parkinson's disease, gastrointestinal disorders, depressive states, cognitive dysfunction, anxiety, tardive dyskinesia, drug dependency, panic attack, mania, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, ulcer, GI tumors, Tourette's syndrome, Huntington's chorea, vascular leakage, anti-arteriosclerosis, vascular and vasodilation disorders, as well as neurological, neuropharmalogical and neuropsychopharmacological disorders.

Abstract: Scanner with a cabinet housing having a vertically inclined angled side with a rectangular transparent window for a two-demensional scanning means. Orienting the window vertically permits the scanner to have a much smaller footprint than a standard flatbed scanner. A document support stationed by the window's external lower edge prevents a document to be scanned from sliding off the window.

Abstract: A Zn--Cu based alloy is disclosed including from about 11 to about 50 wt. % of Cu, from about 0.1 to about 10 wt. % of Al, from about 0.01 to about 1.0 wt. % of Mg, and from about 0.001 to about 0.1 wt. % of at least one member of the group consisting of Ti, Pb, Sn, Cd, Ni, Mn, Cr, Fe and mixtures thereof; and the balance being Zn. The Ti component may be added via an Al--Ti alloy. This alloy yields high-part-number castings especially useful in the automotive parts field.

Abstract: An orally ingestible multi-stage pill-like therapeutic formulation for treating a condition, said formulation having at least one internally acting ingredient providing a condition-related therapeutic effect, said internally acting ingredient being intended for dispersion in the gastro-intestinal area and a saliva-soluble material substantially coating said internally acting ingredient and comprising a second and locally acting agent providing a second condition-related therapeutic effect in the mouth, esophagus or bronchial tract. The active ingredients provide cooperative relief for one or more symptoms associated with the condition.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating culture medium with a dilute acid such as nitric acid, are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, nitric acid is sprayed on to a floating oily layer of hydrophobic materials at the surface of a stilled culture rich in aerobic bacteria, which materials can obstruct oxygen take up. The nitric acid surface treats the protective hydrophobic third phase, increasing its surface viscosity and the undesired lipid or oily materials to be readily removed mechanically. Oxygen take up and thence microorganismic growth are promoted. Quite small quantities of dilute acid are effective and leave no toxic residue. An optional embodiment entrains nitrogen dioxide in the aeration gases to form nitric acid in situ for surface treatment of thin oily films occluding bubbles in the culture broth.

Abstract: A gripping device for grasping and releasing articles by freezing and thawing water between a gripping surface and the article. The device includes a base plate, a mesh like gripping surface, a water passage to the gripping surface, a freezing element for freezing the water and bonding the gripping surface to the article and a thawing element for melting the frozen bond for releasing the article. The cooling and thawing elements use semi-circular tubing extending from the base plate and adjacent the gripping surface, through which are introduced a coolant for freezing the water and a heated liquid for thawing. Upon movement of the water via an atomizer to the gripping surface, coolant is introduced into the tubing to freeze the same. Upon freezing, the article and gripping surface become bonded. To release the article, the heated fluid is moved through the tubing so as to thaw the frozen bond.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing medical products with an ozone-rich atmosphere is disclosed. The method avoids contamination problems that can arise under prior art ethylene oxide sterilization methods. Moderate, carefully controlled conditions are used. The method is particularly suited to the sterilization of sensitive materials such as catgut, polyglycolics and other absorbable synthetic polymeric replacements for catgut. The invention includes sterilized products produced by these methods.

Abstract: A network including a plurality of nodes which communicate over a communications link includes client nodes which are used by users and server nodes. At least one of the server nodes is a management server node, and other server nodes may comprise backup server nodes or software distribution server nodes. To initiate, for example, backup service, the management server node transmits a message to the backup server node to enable it to perform the backup. To initiate software distribution service, the management server node determines the nature of the service, such as downloading new versions, auditing use for licensing purposes, and the like, and transmits a message to the software distribution server node to initiate the operation. The network may include master and slave management server nodes, backup server nodes and software distribution server nodes to further divide the control of the respective operations.

Abstract: Pyrazine derivatives useful as plant growth regulating agents have the general formula: ##STR1## and stereoisomers thereof, wherein R.sup.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl optionally substituted with halogen, or cyclopropyl optionally substituted with C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; R.sup.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 alkenyl, or C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 alkynyl each optionally substituted with halogen; C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 cycloalkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 cycloalkenyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 cycloalkylalkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 cycloalkenylalkyl, phenylalkenyl or phenylalkynyl each optionally substituted on the ring group; R.sup.3 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl; R.sup.4 is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, halogen, alkylamino, cyano, or alkoxy; n is 0 or 1; and salts, ethers, acylates and metal complexes thereof.

Abstract: A pyrimidine derivative having the general formula (I): ##STR1## and stereoisomers thereof, wherein Y is optional substituted cyclopropyl or optionally substituted 1-methylcyclopropyl or is the group: ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen or methyl; X is hydrogen or halogen; R.sup.2 is an optionally substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl or alkylcycloalkyl group, each of said groups containing a total of from 4 to 8 carbon atoms; or is an optionally substituted alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloalkenylalkyl, or alkylcycloalkenyl group, each of said groups containing a total of from 4 to 8 carbon atoms; or is an optionally substituted alkynyl group containing a total of from 4 to 8 carbon atoms; and R.sup.3 is hydrogen, an alkyl group containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group containing from 3 to 4 carbon atoms or an alkynyl group containing from 3 to 4 carbon atoms; and agrochemically acceptable salts, esters and metal complexes of the compounds of formula (I) wherein R.sup.3 is hydrogen.

Abstract: A compound having the general formula: ##STR1## and stereoisomers thereof, wherein R.sup.1 is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl, all having up to 8 carbon atoms; or is aryl, aralkyl or heterocyclyl, any of which may be optionally substituted; R.sup.2 is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkynylalkenyl, alkenyl alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, or cycloalkylalkyl, all of which contain up to 8 carbon atoms and may be substituted; R.sup.3 and R.sup.4, which can be the same or different, are hydrogen (but are not both hydrogen) or are alkyl of up to 4 carbon atoms, alkoxy of up to 4 carbon atoms, OCF.sub.3, CF.sub.3 or halogen, or together constitute a ring of 3-6 carbon atoms; and Y is .dbd.CH-- or .dbd.N--; and esters, ethers, salts and metal complexes thereof. The compounds are useful as plant growth regulating agents.

Abstract: Diphenyl ethers of formula: ##STR1## wherein A is hydrogen or one of a specified range of substituents e.g. halogen, hydroxy, haloalkyl, B, C, E and F are hydrogen or specified substituents; D is CF.sub.3, halogen, or an other specified substituent; and R is a group --CONR.sup.4 SO.sub.2 R.sup.3 wherein R.sup.4 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl and R.sup.3 is an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or aryl radical; useful as selective herbicides.

Abstract: A compound having the general formula (I): ##STR1## and stereoisomers thereof, wherein W is CH or N; Q is optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted aralkyl, or alkyl; R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, and R.sup.8, which may be the same or different, are H, hydroxy, alkyl, cycloalkyl, optionally substituted aralkyl, or optionally substituted phenyl, or any of the pairs R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 ; R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 ; R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 ; or R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 can, together with the adjacent ring carbon atom, represent a carbonyl group (C.dbd.O); R.sup.9 and R.sup.10 which may be the same or different, are H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, optionally substituted aralkyl, or optionally substituted phenyl; n is 0 or 1; and acid salts and metal complexes thereof. The compounds have plant growth regulating and fungicidal activity.

Abstract: Diphenyl ethers of formula: ##STR1## wherein A is hydrogen or one of a specified range of substituents e.g. halogen, hydroxy, haloalkyl, B, C, E and F are hydrogen or specified substituents; D is CF.sub.3, halogen, or another specified substituent; and R is a group --CONR.sup.4 SO.sub.2 R.sup.3 wherein R.sup.4 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl and R.sup.3 is an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or aryl radical; useful as selective herbicides.

Abstract: Sulphonyl urea derivatives of formulaArSO.sub.2 NHCONHYwherein Ar is an optionally substituted phenyl ring and Y is --CO.sub.2 R.sup.1, --CONR.sup.2 R.sup.3, ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 to R.sup.7 are H, or optionally substituted aliphatic or phenyl radicals. These derivatives are useful as herbicides e.g. for cereals.

Abstract: Herbicidal and fungicidal compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein rings A and B are unsubstituted or carry one or more substituents which may be lower alkyl, halogen, lower alkoxy, cyano, nitro, lower alkylcarbonyloxy, methylene dioxy, amino, or mono- or dialkyl amino, and Het is a 1,2,4-triazolyl or imidazolyl group.