Abstract: Particulate superabsorbent polymeric material which is a partially neutralised polymer of an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic monomer cross linked by a triethylenic or higher ethylenic cross linking agent, preferably tetra allyl ammonium chloride, absorbs above 15 grams, and often above 18 grams, aqueous saline per gram polymeric material in 60 minutes under a load of 63,000 dynes per square centimeter. The polymer preferably has surface cross linking caused by contacting the polymer particles with inorganic and/or covalent cross linking agent for the polymer.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of substituted pyrazines comprising the reaction of a dihydroxyketone of formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 et R.sup.2 each represent a hydrogen atom, a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or a --CH.sub.2 OH group, with an ammonium salt, or, as the case may be, with an ammonium salt and an acyloin of formula ##STR2## wherein R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 have the meaning indicated in formula (IV). The process is particularly useful for preparing asymmetrical alkylpyrazines.

Abstract: Novel cerium (IV) oxidic compounds, well suited as catalysts, e.g., for the clean combustion of hydrocarbon fuels and for the "drying" of paint compositions, each Ce(IV) atom of which being coordinated with two anions of an organic oxyacid advantageously having a pKa greater than 1, preferably greater than 2, or a mixture of such oxyacids, and the oxidic oxygen atom or atoms of which being other than those comprising the organic oxyacids; representative such novel cerium (IV) oxidic compounds, whether yellow crystalline solids or yellow liquids, have the formula:(H.sub.2 O).sub.p ?Ceo(A).sub.2.(AH).sub.n.!.sub.min which the radicals A, which may be the same or different, are each the residue of an organic oxyacid of formula AH, p is an integer ranging from 0 to 5, n ranges from 0 to 2 and m is an integer ranging from 1 to 12.

Abstract: We describe a bioorganic process for the preparation of cyclopentanone and cyclopentenone derivatives of formula ##STR1## by .beta.-oxidation of appropriate substrates, carried out by means of microorganisms.The process is useful for preparation of 3-oxo-2-pentyl-1-cyclopentaneacetic and (Z)-3-oxo-2-(2-pentenyl)-1-cyclopentane-acetic acids and their methyl esters, compounds useful in the perfume and flavor industries.

Abstract: A class of chemical compounds comprising a benzo [b] furan moiety and a substituted heterocyclic moiety, linked via the 3-position of the benzo [b] furan moiety by a methylene group, are antagonists of dopamine receptor subtypes within the brain, being extremely potent antagonists of the human dopamine D.sub.4 subtype over other dopamine receptor subtypes, and are accordingly of benefit in the treatment and/or prevention of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia while manifesting fewer side-effects than those associated with classical neuroleptic drugs.

Abstract: A method for the catalytic oxychlorination of ethane to VCM comprising the steps of combining ethane and a chlorine source in an oxychlorination reactor with a suitable catalyst to promote the oxychlorination of the ethane, collecting the resultant VCM and by-productsand recycling the by-products to the oxychlorination reactor to participate in the reaction therein.

Abstract: The present invention accordingly provides the use of a compound of formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a prodrug thereof: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents hydrogen or C.sub.1-6 alkyl;Z represents --CH.sub.2 -- or --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --;R.sup.2 represents hydrogen, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkoxy, aryl(C.sub.1-6)alkyl or halogen;R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 independently represent hydrogen, hydrocarbon, a heterocyclic group, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, nitro, --OR.sup.a, --SR.sup.a, --SOR.sup.a, --SO.sub.2 R.sup.a, --SO.sub.2 NR.sup.a R.sup.b, --NR.sub.a R.sup.b, --NR.sup.a COR.sup.b, --NR.sup.a CO.sub.2 R.sup.b, --COR.sup.a, --CO.sub.2 R.sup.a or --CONR.sup.a R.sup.b ; andR.sup.a and R.sup.b independently represent hydrogen, hydrocarbon or a heterocyclic group;for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.

Abstract: A versatile electrophysiology study monitoring system including an amplification system, a real time display monitor and a chart recorder as well as an optional data management and analysis system wherein the display monitor and chart recorder are controllable directly from the amplification system which may be positioned at the bedside of the patient to provide a portable system which may be used at the bedside of the patient or in the electrophysiology laboratory and which also includes a 32 channel display of physiological data and user settable filter settings for high and low pass filters.

Abstract: A safety device for load lifting and lowering apparatus of the kind comprising a pair of parallel spaced apart upright guide members of hollow section along each of which travels a runner mounted on a load carrier, a cable being connected to each runner to pull it upwardly along the guide member or lower it down the guide member, comprises pawls rotatably mounted on the runner and a block slidable relative to the pawl to which the cable is connected. Levers are pivotally mounted one on each pawl and one end of each lever is pivotally and slidably connected to the block. Springs urge the block towards the runner. Each pawl has a tapered edge and a roller which rests in normal use in a recess. In normal operation tension in the cable separates the block from the runner but when the tension is released, the springs urge the block towards the runner thereby rotating the levers and thereby moving the roller upwardly so that the pawls are jammed against the walls of the guide member.

Abstract: A burgee, particularly for boats and yachts, comprising a frame supported by pivot bearing means on the upper end of a staff has a detachable flag. The flag may be fitted on a frame, for example a wire frame, adapted to be coupled to the frame supported on the staff, the latter frame preferably being made from resilient strip material such as spring steel. The flag frame is preferably clipped into upper and lower locating holes in the staff-supported frame.

Abstract: A new non-foaming composition which is useful for a substantially crease-free dyeing of polyester fibers and comprises a dyeing assistant and a surface-active glyceride.