Abstract: A method of conducting a real-time private group chat conversation using a social networking service to connect users to the conversation. A stream of text strings published by a public social networking service is monitored. The text strings are scanned to determine whether any of the strings include an action tag. If an action tag is found, a creator user account name that is attempting to initiate a private conversation is determined and a user account name and a title for the private conversation are read from the text string. A request is sent to the user account in the social networking service. The request includes the creator user account name and a URL for joining the private conversation. If the user account accepts the request by accessing the URL provided in the request from the social networking service, the user account is connected with the creator user account in a private conversation.

Abstract: A system and method of accumulating points redeemable for goods or services using a visual check-in feature. An electronic file indicative of a digital photograph of a physical object taken by a user is received. The electronic file includes an image of the physical object and associated location information of where the digital photograph was taken. An image recognition engine identifies an indicium associated with the physical object. The user is granted access to a software service based on the digital photograph and the location information, both of which are required to access the software service. A software service determines whether the identified indicium matches one of predetermined indicia stored in a database. If so, points are awarded to the user based on the matching indicium and location information, and the awarded points are added to a point meter. The accumulated points are redeemable for goods or services.

Abstract: A method and a system for dynamic compensating polarization mode dispersion (PMD) in an optical communication system. An optical input signal passes through a compensating element first. A splitting device taps a fraction of the optical input signal and sends it to a monitoring element with birefringence properties. The monitoring element separates the fraction into two split signals with orthogonal principal states of polarization. The split signals are detected at photodetectors. An optimised coefficient is obtained from the detected split signals, and used to calculate an angle between a fast axis of the monitoring element and the fast axis of the optical fiber. The compensating element is set according to the determined angle to compensate the PMD. One or both of the monitoring element and the compensating element may be liquid crystal.

Abstract: The invention provides ways to determine the impact of diluting a solution wherein the diluting may be carried out for any of a variety of purposes. In one embodiment, the method enables accurate volume dispensation calculations independent of meniscus shape. In another embodiment, the method enables accurate determination of plate washing efficiency. In yet another embodiment, the method enables the accurate determination of dilution ratio over a plurality of dilution steps. The methods described may be carried out using one or more systems arranged to perform the steps. A kit of the invention includes instructions for carrying out the steps of the methods and, optionally, one or more solutions suitable for conducting photometric measurements.

Abstract: A method for precisely and accurately determining the volume of a test liquid aliquot which can be used to calibrate a liquid delivery device. The method is particularly useful for determining the volume of an aliquot of a test liquid which is complex or non-aqueous, or is both complex and non-aqueous. The test-stock mixture contains at least the test liquid and a stock solution including a first dye, the first dye having absorbance characteristics which are measurably distinguishable from the absorbance characteristics of a second dye. The test-stock mixture is mixed with a diluent including the second dye to form a sample solution to be used to measure absorbances of the first dye and the second dye. The volume of the test-stock mixture aliquot is calculated by using a formula based on the Beer-Lambert law which incorporates the measured absorbance values and a dilution characteristic of the test-stock mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for optical calibration of spectrophotometers is described. The apparatus is a calibration plate including one or more cuvettes filled with solutions of interest. The cuvettes are sealed to prevent evaporation. The cuvettes also possess a compressible component to allow for expansion of the solution and a bubble control apparatus to ensure that the compressible component does not intersect the beam path. A piece of neutral density glass is optionally included in the apparatus to track optical changes of the solutions over time.

Abstract: An adjustable brush for cleaning grout includes a group of brush mounting constructions slidably disposed on a rigid support track. Each mounting construction is movable, yet selectively held in place along the longitudinal axis of the support track. A brush assembly is removably attached to each brush mounting construction. Each brush assembly includes bristles secured within a bristle holding member, and the brush assemblies are selectively held in place during use.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds of formula (I): ##STR1## or a physiologically acceptable salt or solvate thereof wherein R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom or a group selected from C.sub.1-6 alkyl and C.sub.1-6 alkoxy;R.sup.2 represents a phenyl group substituted by a group selected from ##STR2## and optionally further substituted by one or two substituents selected from halogen atoms, C.sub.1-6 alkoxy, hydroxy, and C.sub.1-6 alkyl;R.sup.3 represents the group ##STR3## R.sup.4 and R.sup.5, which may be the same or different, each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom or a group selected from hydroxy, C.sub.1-6 alkoxy and C.sub.1-6 alkyl;R.sup.6 represents a hydrogen atom or a group selected from --NR.sup.9 R.sup.10 and a C.sub.1-6 alkyl group optionally substituted by one or two substituents selected from C.sub.1-6 alkoxy, hydroxy, C.sub.1-6 acyloxy and --SO.sub.2 R.sup.11 ;R.sup.7, R.sup.8 and R.sup.

Abstract: A hydroponics plant growth system basically consists of a circular nutrient supply module, a circular plant prop module, a pump positioned in the supply module to circulate liquid nutrient upwardly into the prop module, and a distributor unit to convey the liquid nutrient from the pump to the prop module and contact it with plant roots. An elongated tube supports the prop module concentrically upon the supply module and provides internal space for the distributor unit. The prop module is a bowl shaped vessel having a bottom, a top joined by an integral side ring, and a capped collar that upturns from the vessel top. Baskets to hold plants extend through openings in the vessel top in a way the plant roots continually receive some nutrient without being immersed therein. A plurality of prop modules can be supported in a vertical column on one supply module so the system can conserve horizontal space and fully utilize vertical space.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds of formula (I): ##STR1## or a physiologically acceptable salt or solvate thereof wherein R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a group selected from C.sub.1-6 alkyl and C.sub.1-6 alkoxy;R.sup.2 represents a pyridinyl group optionally substituted by one or two substituents selected from halogen atoms, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, hydroxyC.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkoxyC.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkoxy, hydroxy, --CN, --NO.sub.2, --CO.sub.2.sup.6, --COR.sup.6, --CONR.sup.6 R.sup.7 and --(CH.sub.2).sub.m OC(O)C.sub.1-4 alkyl;R.sup.3 represents the group ##STR2## R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 which may be the same or different, each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom or a group selected from hydroxy, C.sub.1-6 alkoxy and C.sub.1-6 alkyl;R.sup.6 R.sup.7 and R.sup.8, which may be the same or different, each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-6 alkyl group; and m represents zero or an integer from 1 to 3.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds of formula (I): ##STR1## or a physiologically acceptable salt or solvate thereof wherein R.sup.1 represents a halogen or hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-6 alkyl or C.sub.1-6 alkoxy group;R.sup.2 represents a phenyl group optionally substituted by one or two substituents;R.sup.3 represents the group ##STR2## R.sup.4 and R.sup.5, which may be the same or different, each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom, or a group selected from hydroxy, C.sub.1-6 alkoxy or C.sub.1-6 alkyl.The compounds may be used in the treatment or prophylaxis of depression and other CNS disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein Im represents an imidazolyl group of the formula: ##STR2## R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom or a group selected from C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.3-6 alkenyl, C.sub.3-10 alkynyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkylC.sub.1-4 alkyl, phenyl, phenylC.sub.1-3 alkyl, --CO.sub.2 R.sup.5, --COR.sup.5, --CONR.sup.5 R.sup.6 or --SO.sub.2 R.sup.5 ;R.sup.5 and R.sup.6, which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom, a C.sub.1-6 alkyl or C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl group, or a phenyl or phenylC.sub.1-4 alkyl group, in which the phenyl group is optionally substituted by one or more C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.1-4 alkoxy or hydroxy groups or halogen atoms, with the proviso that R.sup.5 does not represent a hydrogen atom when R.sup.1 represents a group --CO.sub.2 R.sup.5 or --SO.sub.2 R.sup.5 ;one of the groups represented by R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 is a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.3-7 cycloalkyl, C.sub.

Abstract: An integral winding machine for winding strand onto a cylindrical package having a hollow core extending axially therethrough and a conical shaped end portion. While maintaining the package stationary, the winding machine receives the strand from a supply source and thereafter winds and deposits the strand in a helical path onto the package, resulting in a uniform, coreless, self-supporting cylindrical package of continuous strand material. The resulting package is adapted to be held stationary while the strand is withdrawn therefrom without introducing any additional twist to the strand. During continuous delivery of the strand material from the supply source for deposit onto the conical shaped end portion of the package, portions of the resulting formed cylindrical package may be regularly removed without stopping the winding process.

Abstract: The invention relates to tetracyclic ketones of the general formula (I) ##STR1## wherein n represents 1, 2 or 3;Im represents an imidazolyl group of the formula: ##STR2## wherein one of the groups represented by R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 is a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.3 -7cycloalkyl, C.sub.3-6 alkenyl, phenyl or phenylC.sub.1-3 alkyl group, and each of the other two groups, which may be the same or different, represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1-6 alkyl group;Y represents a group --(CH.sub.2)m--, where m represents 2, 3 or 4, or a group --X(CH.sub.2).sub.p --, where p represents 2 or 3, X represents an oxygen or a sulphur atom or a group NR.sup.4, where R.sup.4 is a C.sub.1-6 alkyl group, and X is attached to the benzene ring moiety of the molecule;and physiologically acceptable salts and solvates thereof.The compounds are potent and selective antagonists of the effect of 5-HT at 5-HT.sub.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein Im represents an imidazolyl group of the formula: ##STR2## and the various substituents are defined hereinbelow. The compounds are potent and selective antagonists of the effect of 5-HT at 5-HT.sub.3 receptors and are useful, for example, in the treatment of psychotic disorders, anxiety, and nausea and vomiting.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein Im represents an imidazolyl group of the formula: ##STR2## and the various substituents are defined hereinbelow. The compounds are potent and selective antagonists of the effect of 5-HT at 5-HT.sub.3 receptors and are useful, for example, in the treatment of psychotic disorders, anxiety, and nausea and vomiting.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds of the general formula ##STR1## and physiologically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof, in which one of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 represents hydrogen, halogen or a C.sub.1-4 alkyl group which may be optionally substituted by hydroxy or C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, and the other represents the group R.sub.4 R.sub.5 NAlk-- in which Alk represents a straight or branched alkylene chain of 1 to 6 carbon atoms;R.sub.3, which may be in either the 2 or 3-position, represents the ##STR2## where X represents --CH.sub.2 --, --O-- or --S--; n represents zero, 1 or 2;m represents 2, 3 or 4; andR.sub.7 represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, aralkyl, or C.sub.2-6 alkyl substituted by hydroxy or alkoxy; andR.sub.8 represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, aralkyl, hydroxyalkyl, acyloxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, aryloxyalkyl, aralkyloxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, hydroxy or alkoxy, or the group NR.sub.10 R.sub.11 ; with the provisos thatwhere R.sub.2 represents the group R.sub.4 R.sub.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I) ##STR1## and physiologically acceptable salts, hydrates and bioprecursors thereof, in which the variables are as defined in the specification.The compounds of formula (I) show pharmacological activity as selective histamine H.sub.2 -antagonists.Also disclosed are intermediates in the preparation of the compounds of the formula (I).

Abstract: The invention provides compounds of the general formula (I) ##STR1## and physiologically acceptable salts, hydrates and bioprecursors thereof, in which the substituents are defined in the detailed description.The compounds show pharmaceutical activity as selective histamine H.sub.2 -antagonists.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I) ##STR1## and physiologically acceptable salts, hydrates and bioprecursors thereof, which show pharmacological activity as selective histamine H.sub.2 -antagonists.