Abstract: The invention provides a colon cleansing solution comprising: a) 300 to 2000 mmol per liter ascorbate anion provided by ascorbic acid, one or more salts of ascorbic acid, or a mixture thereof; and b) 10 to 200 g per liter polyethylene glycol. The invention also provides methods and kits associated with, or making use of the solutions. The invention also provides a method of cleansing the colon of a subject comprising: —administering to the subject an effective amount of a first cleansing solution; and then after a time interval —administering to the subject an effective amount of a second cleansing solution, where in the two cleansing solutions are as described in the specification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for and of treating, ameliorating or preventing colorectal cancer (CRC) in humans using polyethylene glycol (PEG) or a PEG block-copolymer such as Pluronic® F68. Compositions for use in treating, ameliorating and/or preventing CRC comprising PEG are also disclosed. Such compositions may be used in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present document describes a smelting apparatus for smelting metallic ore. The smelting apparatus comprises a furnace having a continuous curved wall and end walls defining a longitudinal volume having a longitudinal axis in a horizontal direction. The continuous curved wall has a lowermost area. The longitudinal volume is divided in at least three longitudinal layers comprising a top layer within which gasified fuel is combusted for creating a hot gas composition at a temperature sufficient to release, from the metallic ore, at least molten metal and slag, a lowermost layer at the lowermost area for holding molten metal, and a mid layer above the lowermost layer in which the slag accumulates.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a solid formulation for oral administration as a solid comprising polyethylene glycol and a further solid such as mannitol. The formulation may be used to prevent gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation in healthy subjects. In some embodiments, the solid formulation is chewable or suckable.

Abstract: A method comprising creating and publishing (H, K) an application program interface (API) enabling access to a dataset from a source data file; determining, by an application, a type of change (E) that has occurred to the source data file; and in dependence at least on a result of said determining, taking at least one action (H, K) relating to permitting subscriber access to the dataset of the changed source data file. The action may comprise permitting subscriber access to the dataset from the changed source data file either: in place of the dataset from the source data file (H), using the API; or by creating and publishing a new API (K). The permitting access to the dataset may also depend on subscriber access controls and/or publication controls under the control of a publishing entity. Changes to datasets may be provided to the application by a file synchronization system.

Abstract: A transmission is disclosed for a wheeled vehicle. The transmission has a rotary input (14) to be driven by a rotary power source, e.g. an internal combustion engine. It has a rotary output (16) for driving a vehicle wheel. A transmission unit is coupled between the rotary input and the rotary output to transfer drive between them at a speed ratio which is continuously variable through a range which includes both negative ratios (providing a reversal of rotational direction between the rotary input and the rotary output), positive ratios (in which the rotary input and the rotary output rotate in the same direction), and a geared neutral ratio, in which the rotary output is stationary. In accordance with the invention, the transmission further comprises a brake (20) for braking the rotary output. The brake is provided with a control arrangement adapted to apply it when the speed ratio is set to the geared neutral ratio and to release the brake as the speed ratio is adjusted away from the geared neutral ratio.

Abstract: A method comprising creating and publishing (H, K) an application program interface (API) enabling access to a dataset from a source data file; determining, by an application, a type of change (E) that has occurred to the source data file; and in dependence at least on a result of said determining, taking at least one action (H, K) relating to permitting subscriber access to the dataset of the changed source data file. The action may comprise permitting subscriber access to the dataset from the changed source data file either: in place of the dataset from the source data file (H), using the API; or by creating and publishing a new API (K). The permitting access to the dataset may also depend on subscriber access controls and/or publication controls under the control of a publishing entity. Changes to datasets may be provided to the application by a file synchronisation system.

Abstract: The invention provides a colon cleansing solution comprising: a) 300 to 2000 mmol per litre ascorbate anion provided by ascorbic acid, one or more salts of ascorbic acid, or a mixture thereof; and b) 10 to 200 g per litre polyethylene glycol. The invention also provides methods and kits associated with, or making use of the solutions. The invention also provides a method of cleansing the colon of a subject comprising: — administering to the subject an effective amount of a first cleansing solution; and then after a time interval-administering to the subject an effective amount of a second cleansing solution, where in the two cleansing solutions are as described in the specification.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a solid formulation for oral administration as a solid comprising polyethylene glycol and a further solid such as mannitol. The formulation may be used to prevent gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation in healthy subjects. In some embodiments, the solid formulation is chewable or suckable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for and of treating, ameliorating or preventing colorectal cancer (CRC) in humans using polyethylene glycol (PEG) or a PEG block-copolymer such as Pluronic® F68. Compositions for use in treating, ameliorating and/or preventing CRC comprising PEG are also disclosed. Such compositions may be used in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A transmission is disclosed for a wheeled vehicle. The transmission has a rotary input (14) to be driven by a rotary power source, e.g. an internal combustion engine. It has a rotary output (16) for driving a vehicle wheel. A transmission unit is coupled between the rotary input and the rotary output to transfer drive between them at a speed ratio which is continuously variable through a range which includes both negative ratios (providing a reversal of rotational direction between the rotary input and the rotary output), positive ratios (in which the rotary input and the rotary output rotate in the same direction), and a geared neutral ratio, in which the rotary output is stationary. In accordance with the invention, the transmission further comprises a brake (20) for braking the rotary output. The brake is provided with a control arrangement adapted to apply it when the speed ratio is set to the geared neutral ratio and to release the brake as the speed ratio is adjusted away from the geared neutral ratio.

Abstract: The invention provides a compressed pharmaceutical composition comprising polyethylene glycol of molecular weight from 2000 to 4500, wherein the polyethylene glycol makes up from 80 to 99.5% by weight of the composition, one or more electrolytes for the treatment of constipation, faecal impaction, faecal retention, intestinal gas and cramping, or flatulence; or for orthostatic lavage, colon evacuation or colon cleansing. It has been found, surprisingly, that a compressed pharmaceutical composition comprising PEG for example a solid tablet, is significantly more palatable than previously proposed compositions and is effective when administered. The compressed pharmaceutical composition of the invention comprising polyethylene glycol has been found to have a more agreeable taste and a more agreeable mouthfeel than previously proposed liquid or dry powder or granular compositions.

Abstract: A composition comprising, per litre of aqueous solution, from 30 to 350 g polyethylene glycol, from 3 to 20 g of an ascorbic acid component selected form the group consisting of ascorbic acid, a salt of ascorbic acid, or a mixture thereof, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulphate, preferably from 1 to 15 g thereof, and optionally one or more electrolytes selected from sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium hydrogen carbonate, and preferably also comprising flavourings, is effective in cleansing the gut in preparation for a endoscopy, especially colonoscopy. It is safer than conventional sodium phosphate-based gut cleansing compositions, and hence can be used for patients who would be at risk with sodium phosphate-based compositions, and is better tolerated than conventional PEG-based compositions, leading to better patient compliance and enabling effective out-patient use.

Abstract: A composition comprising, per litre of aqueous solution, from 30 to 350 g polyethylene glycol, from 3 to 20 g of an ascorbic acid component selected form the group consisting of ascorbic acid, a salt of ascorbic acid, or a mixture thereof, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulphate, preferably from 1 to 15 g thereof, and optionally one or more electrolytes selected from sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium hydrogen carbonate, and preferably also comprising flavourings, is effective in cleansing the gut in preparation for a endoscopy, especially colonoscopy. It is safer than conventional sodium phosphate-based gut cleansing compositions, and hence can be used for patients who would be at risk with sodium phosphate-based compositions, and is better tolerated than conventional PEG-based compositions, leading to better patient compliance and enabling effective out-patient use.

Abstract: A composition comprising, per litre of aqueous solution, from 30 to 350 g polyethylene glycol, from 3 to 20 g of an ascorbic acid component selected form the group consisting of ascorbic acid, a salt of ascorbic acid, or a mixture thereof, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulphate, preferably from 1 to 15 g thereof, and optionally one or more electrolytes selected from sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium hydrogen carbonate, and preferably also comprising flavourings, is effective in cleansing the gut in preparation for a endoscopy, especially colonoscopy. It is safer than conventional sodium phosphate-based gut cleansing compositions, and hence can be used for patients who would be at risk with sodium phosphate-based compositions, and is better tolerated than conventional PEG-based compositions, leading to better patient compliance and enabling effective out-patient use.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving vision incorporate the effects of biodynamical and biomechanical (biological) responses of the eye. The eye produces a biological response to trauma, such as a LASIK keratectomy or other necessary traumatic procedure in preparation for refractive surgery. By observing the biological response, a prospective treatment to correct higher order aberrations is adjusted to compensate for the biological effects. An improved photorefractive surgery system incorporates one or more suitable diagnostic devices that provide biological response information in such a manner that the patient need not change position from that assumed for the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A method and mold assembly to control the polymerization of a molded article. In one embodiment, an amorphous posterior mold comprising a non-critical surface having a controlled radius of curvature is used to produce molded articles. In an alternate embodiment, ophthalmic lenses are produced using a posterior mold in which the concave surface of the non-critical surface is filled with a liquid having a similar refractive index as the mold material. In still another embodiment, a positive lens is placed at a predetermined distance adjacent to the mold assembly to alter the irradiation path to the mold assembly. In still another embodiment, a positive lens is placed within the concave surface of the posterior lens.

Abstract: A method of designing a contact lens or other correction for providing presbyopia correction to a patient relies on wavefront aberration measurement data for providing a best form correction. Preferably the correction is in the form of a multifocal translating style alternating vision contact lens or a simultaneous vision style correcting lens. A method for designing a correction for improving a person's vision is directed to correcting higher order aberrations in such a manner that a residual amount of the higher-order rotationally symmetric aberration is greater than a residual amount of the higher-order rotationally asymmetric aberration after the correction. A design method according to the invention is directed to correcting asymmetric higher order aberrations induced by decentering of a multifocal contact lens that has residual spherical aberration which provides increased depth of field.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and a chemical plant for the production primarily of paraxylene. In particular the process and chemical plant utilize zeolite membranes for enhanced paraxylene production.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and a chemical plant for the production primarily of paraxylene. In particular the process and chemical plant utilise zeolite membranes for enhanced paraxylene production.