Abstract: The deleterious effects of metal ions in water, for example water hardness and formation of deposits, may be combated by application of an algin, for example alginic acid or a salt of alginic acid, such as sodium alginate or potassium alginate. Such a compound may bring about water purification and/or softening and prevent formation of deposits. Furthermore, such a compound may promote the removal of existing deposits, for example scale.

Abstract: A game to promote communication and understanding between couples. The game involves assigning points to a number of activities to be performed by one person, for example, the man, for the benefit of the second person, the woman. When the man performs an act such as letting the woman sleep in, taking the woman out to dinner, or giving the woman a gift, he is awarded the points assigned to that act. The accumulated points are tracked on a board. Once the points reach a certain level, the man is permitted to redeem the points for a reward such as a night out. The woman is permitted to block the awarding of points temporarily in the event of an extraordinary event such as the man forgetting the woman's birthday or not helping out with household chores.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions having improved bioadhesive properties are produced by combining an alginate, xanthan gum and/or a carageenan gum and a glucomannan and/or a galactomannan. The composition can provide both a protecting and a healing effect on mucosal surface.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition is provided for use in the healing of cells containing about 0.0001 percent weight per volume (% w/v) to about 2% w/v of an alginic acid or a salt of alginic acid having a molecular weight in the range of greater than about 250,000 to about 1,000,000, provided that if the composition additionally contains an alginic acid or a salt of alginic acid having a molecular weight in the range of about 20,000 to about 250,000, it is present in an amount of less than 1% w/w. The use of the pharmaceutical composition for the healing cells in a mammal, preferably mucosal cells is also provided.

Abstract: An oral unit dosage comprising a substrate defining a plurality of discrete reservoirs each containing a liquid fill for release in the mouth.

Abstract: The invention provides processes for decontamination of organic halides in asphalt-containing wastes, such as PCBs in asphaltic potting compounds. The processes may use hydrocarbon solvents to dissolve the asphaltic waste, and an alkali metal reactant, such as a sodium dispersion, to destroy the organic halides in the dissolved mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to calcium (3S) tetrahydro-3-furanyl(1S,2R)-3-[[(4-aminophenyl)sulfonyl](isobutyl)amino]-1-benzyl-2-(phosphonooxy) propylcarb-amate, to processes for its preparation, and to its use in the treatment of diseases caused by retroviruses.

Abstract: The invention relates to calcium (3S) tetrahydro-3-furanyl(1S,2R)-3-[[(4-aminophenyl)sulfonyl](isobutyl)amino]-1-benzyl-2-(phosphonooxy)propylcarb-amate, to processes for its preparation, and to its use in the treatment of diseases caused by retroviruses.

Abstract: The deleterious effects of metal ions in water, for example water hardness and formation of deposits, may be combated by application of an algin, for example alginic acid or a salt of alginic acid, such as sodium alginate or potassium alginate. Such a compound may bring about water purification and/or softening and prevent formation of deposits. Furthermore, such a compound may promote the removal of existing deposits, for example scale.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for conducting spatially-based valuation of property, taking into account the values of neighbouring properties. The method proceeds by analysing a database of properties including details of at least the location and value of the known properties, and the location of the property to be valued. Other characteristics of the properties may be included in the database. Similarity scores for each property compared with each other property are calculated, and used to identify those properties which are comparable to the property to be valued. All the comparable properties within a predetermined distance from the property to be valued are used to calculate the unknown property value.

Abstract: The invention relates to calcium (3S) tetrahydro-3-furanyl(1S,2R)-3-[[(4-aminophenyl)sulfonyl](isobutyl)amino]-1-benzyl-2-(phosphonooxy)propylcarbamate, to processes for its preparation, and to its use in the treatment of diseases caused by retroviruses.

Abstract: An aqueous pourable liquid composition comprising a high concentration of sodium alginate and an alkali metal bicarbonate, wherein the sodium alginate has an average mannuronic acid residue to guluronic acid residue ratio of at least 0.6:1. In addition, an alginate or alginic acid for forming a protective coating on gastrointestinal mucosal tissue, use of and compositions including the same are provided.

Abstract: A pharmaceutically acceptable bio-adhesive coating, film or gel is formed in situ at a body surface by the reaction of (i) an anionic polymer or tripolyphosphate and (ii) a cationic polymer in the presence of water. The two components are supplied either as separate aqueous solutions or in a single non-aqueous formulation, which can be a liquid suspension tablet, capsule or powder.

Abstract: Formulations for the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux diseases include a carrier vehicle and an active gastro-protective agent. The carrier vehicle is either capable of forming a floating barrier layer on contact with gastric acid or of forming a bioadhesive film before any contact with gastric acid, so as to protect gastric mucosa from irritation by the gastric acid. A preferred active ingredient is capsaicin. The carrier vehicle preferably contains alginate or cross-linked polyacrylic acid.

Abstract: Mucoadhesive granules comprising a) carbomer and/or a salt thereof; and b) an inert filler. The granules preferably further comprise a pharmaceutically active agent suitable for sustained release into the gastrointestinal tract or for targeted delivery to the gastrointestinal mucosa.

Abstract: A process for preparing agrochemical intermediates of formula (I), wherein W is (CH.sub.3 O).sub.2 CH.CHCO.sub.2 CH.sub.3 or CH.sub.3 O.CH.dbd.CCO.sub.2 CH.sub.3 ; Z.sup.1 is a halogen atom; and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are independently hydrogen, halogen, C.sub.1-4 alky, C alkoxy, acetoxy or acyl; the process comprising the steps of: (a) reacting a compound of formula (II), wherein X, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are as defined above, with a compound of formula ROCH.sub.3, wherein R is a metal; and, (b) reacting the product of (a) with a compound of formula (III), wherein Z.sup.1 and Z.sup.2 are halogen atoms. A process for the preparation of compounds of formula (II) and compounds of formula (II) themselves. A process for obtaining, in substantially pure form, a compound of formula (11) and compounds of formula (II) themselves. A process for obtaining, in substantially pure form, a compound of formula (11) wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are all hydrogen.

Abstract: Methods of controlling the brightness of a glow discharge which switches from a low brightness state to a high brightness state a given time after the start of an excitation pulse are described. In the first method, conventional pulse duration modulation produces a dimming ratio much greater than the ratio of duty factor variation. In the second method, a plurality of sets of pulses having different fixed durations but variable repetition rates are employed. In the third method, a plurality of sets of pulses having different relative durations have their pulse durations modulated in synchrony.

Abstract: A pretensioner for a vehicle safety restraint comprises a cylindrical hollow tube, a piston member located within the tube and connected via a cable to a part of the vehicle safety restraint, and a pyrotechnic charge which is activated in the event of a collision to evolve a volume of gas within the tube to move the piston from one end of the tube to the other, wherein a pressure relief port is provided in the tube at a point along its length which is close to the end of the tube toward which the piston is moved on activation of the pyrotechnic charge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pneumatically operable indication of when a pretensioner has operated in a vehicle passenger safety restraint system. The indication may be audible or visible, for example an inflatable brightly coloured balloon in the vehicle trim or a whistle or a flag. Such an indication ensures that the vehicle owner knows when the pretensioner feature of his vehicle is not available for a subsequent crash condition so that he can seek re-setting or servicing of the pretensioner at the earliest opportunity.

Abstract: A transfer device including means for movement of samples from a plurality of sites of a first separation to a plurality of sites of a second, different, separation, said means comprising a plurality of sampling elements capable of movement with respect to one another between said first separation and said second separation.The sample transfer device is particularly suited to the transfer of blood samples in blood grouping or other determinations.A method of sample transfer is also provided.