Abstract: Combinations of avermectins and milbemycins and their derivatives with bis-aryl compounds and their use in combating parasite, especially helminth, infections.

Abstract: The invention comprises novel methods and strategies to detect and/or quantify nucleic acid analytes. The methods involve nucleic acid probes with covalently conjugated dyes, which are attached either at adjacent nucleotides or at the same nucleotide of the probe and novel linker molecules to attach the dyes to the probes. The nucleic acid probes generate a fluorescent signal upon hybridization to complementary nucleic acids based on the interaction of one of the attached dyes, which is either an intercalator or a DNA groove binder, with the formed double stranded DNA. The methods can be applied to a variety of applications including homogeneous assays, real-time PCR monitoring, transcription assays, expression analysis on nucleic acid microarrays and other microarray applications such as genotyping (SNP analysis). The methods further include pH-sensitive nucleic acid probes that provide switchable fluorescence signals that are triggered by a change in the pH of the medium.

Abstract: A method of positioning on a microwave waveguide a sensor (20) including an elongate metallic element (23, 24) comprising: selecting a tubular waveguide (12); determining the general orientation of the magnetic field (3) generated during microwave transmission; and positioning the elongate metallic element (20, 23, 24) substantially parallel to the orientation of the magnetic field (3). Connections (23, 24) of the sensor (20) extend longitudinally of the waveguide (12) and are connected to the outer wall (25) of the waveguide and the central conductor (16) of the coaxial cable (15) that powers the waveguide.

Abstract: An optical system converts a planar image display to a spherical image display focused for close proximity to a human eye, in order to provide a wide viewing field. The optical system includes an array of image source pixels provided by a flat panel display, such as a high resolution liquid crystal display. The image source pixels are received by an array of optical fibers which transfer light from the image source pixels to an image plane section where the optical fibers terminate in a curved surface configuration. The curved surface image projection emanating from the array of optical fibers is received by an array of micro-lenses. Each of the micro-lenses is configured to focus a portion of the light from the curved image plane section onto an eye for viewing the image.

Abstract: .alpha.-Homojirimycin and 6-dpi-homojirimycin are each synthesized from 2-azido-2-deoxy-3,4:6,7-di-O- isopropylidene-D-glydero-D-talo-heptono-1,5-lactone in which the side chain acetonide is hydrolyzed to give the corresponding diol which is then protected with a silyl protecting agent to form a silyl ether. The latter compound is used as a divergent intermediate in which the piperidine ring is formed by joining the nitrogen function at C-2 to C-6 (A) with inversion of configuration at C-6 to form 6-epi-homomannojirimycin or (B) with retention of configuration at C-6 to form .alpha.-homomannojirimycin.

Abstract: Process for ring opening compounds of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 is heteroaryl or aryl, R.sup.2 is a leaving group, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, aralkyl, aryl, heteroaryl and alkenyl, provided that at least one of the groups R.sup.3 to R.sup.6 is other than hydrogen, by breaking the bond joining the carbon atom attached to R.sup.3 and the carbon atom attached to R.sup.6 in organic solution using silica, giving useful diene or allyl derivatives, certain of which are novel.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## in which Het represents an optionally substituted aromatic heterocycle having a sulphur or oxygen hetero atom and attached via a ring carbon atom, and X is halogen, alkyl, alkaryl, cyano, alkoxy, mono- or di-alkylamino, acyloxy or aryl, are useful intermediates to a range of cyclopropane derivatives. Processes for their preparation and their use in further synthetic processes are also described.

Abstract: .alpha.-Homojirimycin and 6-dpi-homojirimycin are each synthesized from 2 az ido-2-deoxy-3,4:6,7-di-O-isopropylidene-D-glycero-D-talo-heptono-1,5-la ctone in which the side chain acetonide is hydrolyzed to give the corresponding diol which is then protected with a silyl protecting agent to form a silyl ether. The latter compound is used as a divergent intermediate in which the piperidine ring is formed by joining the nitrogen function at C-2 to C-6 (A) with inversion of configuration at C-6 to form 6-epi-homomannojirimycin or (B) with retension of configuration at C-6 to form .alpha.-homomannojirimycin.

Abstract: Reactions of azide ion with 2-O-trifluoromethanesulphonates of both 3,4:6,7-di-O-isopropylidene-D-glycero-D-talo-heltono-1,5-lactone and of 3,4:6,7-di-O-isopropylidene-D-glycero-D-galactoheptono-1,5-lactone are disclosed to give predominantly 2-azido-2-deoxy-3,4:6,7-di-O-isopropylidene-D-glycero-D-galacto-heptono-1, 5-lactone initially which then isomerizes under moderate reaction conditions to 2-azido-2-deoxy-3,4:6,7-di-O-isopropylidene-D-glycero-D-talo-heptono-1, 5-lactone.

Abstract: .alpha.-Homojirimycin and 6-dpi-homojirimycin are each synthesized from 2-azido-2-deoxy-3,4:6,7-di-O-isopropylidene-D-glycero-D-talo-heptono-1,5-l actone in which the side chain acetonide is hydrolyzed to give the corresponding diol which is then protected with a silyl protecting agent to form a silyl ether. The latter compound is used as a divergent intermediate in which the piperidine ring is formed by joining the nitrogen function at C-2 to C-6 (A) with inversion of configuration at C-6 to form 6-epi-homomannojirimycin or (B) with retention of configuration at C-6 to form .alpha.-homomannojirimycin.

Abstract: An adjustable clamp has its main bar formed from flat metal strip with serrations in one edge and a fixed arm may be formed by a bent-around end of this strip. The moving arm can be formed from two flat stampings from strip and a fine adjustment is provided by a screw on this arm, engaging the non-serrated edge of the bar, while the coarse adjustment is provided by a bush or pin between the stampings engaging the serrated edge.

Abstract: In a multiple response digital data transmission system the signal processing, which results in the generation of a plurality of time spaced pulses from each signal element and the superimposition of those pulses which occur simultaneously, is carried out in the receiver, possibly after demodulation. The signal processing may be performed by a transversal filter having circuits connected to tappings of a delay line, which circuits have gains chosen in accordance with the desired multiple response characteristics. The transversal filter may include additional circuits which are adaptive and controlled in response to the departure of the levels of the superimposed pulses from reference levels to correct for signal distortions arising during transmission. The transmitted data may be precoded in dependence upon the multiple response characteristics used so that relatively little processing is required after transmission through the system to restore the data to its original form.