Abstract: An electron beam tube (17) having a longitudinal axis comprises a first component, such as a ceramic wall (5) and a second component such as a drift tube assembly having a mounting plate (3). The tube further comprises means, such as member (18), arranged to allow relative sliding movement of the first component relative to the second component in a radial direction. The invention helps to alleviate mechanical stresses caused by differential thermal expansion of the components.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of thiol proteases having Cathepsin L type activity in the formulation of vaccines for combating helminth parasites. Preferably the protease is derived from a fluke such as Fasciola hepatica.

Abstract: An engine piston has a crown portion generated about a longitudinal piston axis and, extending axially form the crown, a pair of gudgeon pin bosses defining a pin axis and spaced apart at opposite sides of an orthogonal thrust axis. A circumferentially discontinuous skirt defines lateral thrust and non-thrust bearing regions, respectively, centered on the thrust axis, each joined by convexly bowed reinforcement ribs to the bosses. The bearing region on the non-thrust side of the piston is circumferentially shorter than thrust region, reducing piston mass to one side of the piston, and the reinforcement ribs are offset in pin axis direction where they intersect the bosses. Mass reducing recesses are formed in the underside of the crown between the unskirted periphery reinforcement ribs and bosses, the offset ribs permitting the recesses to extend further and to permit greater reduction in mass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination comprising an amount of mirtazapine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, and an amount of gepirone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, optionally in association with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, whereby the amount of gepirone and the amount of mirtazapine are such that the effect of the composition is more favourable than the added effects of the amounts of each drug separately. This combination can be used in the treatment of depression and related disorders, whereby the invention also provides for a new method of treatment of depression and related disorders.

Abstract: A method of forming a low-friction, helically ridged skirt surface of an engine piston 30 (FIG. 2(a)) comprises cutting a continuous groove (40) in a piston body rotating about axis (34) so that adjacent groove turns intersect as ridges (42) and carry lubricating oil which forms a film on the ridged surface. The groove (40) is cut by way of a diamond tool tip (60) traversing along the axis (34). Whereas in a known, standard finish the ridges (42) have sharp peaks that can rupture the oil film, the tool is here modified to include a planing tip (70) fixed spatially with respect to the tip (60) so that after formation each ridge is planed flat to provide a plateau (44) between groove turns that exerts less film rupturing pressure against a cylinder wall whilst defining a uniformly flat outer surface for the piston. The cuting may vary the piston diameter towards the ends of the body to effect barreling in which the relationship between plateau width and groove depth vary.

Abstract: An engine piston (10) has a crown portion (12) generated about a longitudinal piston axis (14) and, extending axially from the crown, a pair of gudgeon pin bosses (26, 28) defining a pin axis (30) and spaced apart at opposite sides of an orthogonal thrust axis (40). A circumferentially discontinuous skirt defines lateral thrust and non-thrust bearing regions (34, 36), respectively, centered on the thrust axis, each joined by convexly bowed reinforcement ribs (62, 64, 66, 68) to the bosses. The bearing region (36) on the nun-thrust side of the piston is circumferentially shorter than thrust region (34), reducing piston mass to one side of the piston, and the reinforcement ribs are offset in pin axis direction where thy intersect the bosses. Mass reducing recesses (106, 108) are formed in the underside of the crown between the unskirted periphery (37), reinforcement ribs and bosses, the offset ribs (66, 68) permitting the recesses to extend further as at (110) and permit greater reduction in mass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination comprising an amount of mirtazapine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, and an amount of gepirone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, optionally in association with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, whereby the amount of gepirone and the amount of mirtazapine are such that the effect of the composition is more favourable than the added effects of the amounts of each drug separately. This combination can be used in the treatment of depression and related disorders, whereby the invention also provides for a new method of treatment of depression and related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of betaine or its physiologically acceptable salt for enhancing endurance during exercise, enhancing muscle mass and reducing muscle soreness and muscle fatigue. It is also directed to the use of betaine or its physiologically acceptable salt for enhancing the flavor of a food or beverage.

Abstract: Various polysaccharides are prepared by reacting glucose or glucose-containing materials such as hydrolyzed starch with a polyol such as sorbitol in the presence of mineral acids such as phosphoric, hydrochloric and/or sulfuric acid. In one embodiment, polydextrose is prepared by reacting glucose or glucose-containing materials such as hydrolyzed starch with a polyol such as sorbitol in the presence of low levels, i.e., from about 0.001% to about 0.09%, more narrowly from about 0.01% to about 0.06%, phosphoric acid. In other embodiments, other mineral acids or mixtures thereof may be employed. In alternate embodiments, a combination of mineral and organic carboxylic acids such as citric acid are employed. Because of the low levels of catalyst used in certain preferred embodiments, minimal or no off-flavors and little color are formed during the course of the reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of polydextrose as an appetite suppressant. It also relates to the synergistic effect of polydextrose and xylitol in suppressing appetite.

Abstract: An events management system coordinates the exchange of device alert or alarm information between an asset management system and one or more business systems within a process control system or plant. The events management system receives device alerts from the asset management system and uses a rules-engine and one or more state machines to send notifications containing device alert information to one of more of the business systems.

Abstract: Superior quality, clean-tasting food grade polydextrose is prepared by reacting glucose or glucose-containing materials such as hydrolyzed starch with a polyol such as sorbitol in the presence of low levels of a polycarboxylic acid such as citric acid. In one embodiment, polydextrose is prepared by reacting glucose or glucose-containing materials such as hydrolyzed starch with a polyol such as sorbitol in the presence of low levels, i.e., from about 0.03% to about 0.1% citric acid at a temperature of from about 145 to about 185 C., preferably from about 150 C. to about 160 C. Because of the low levels of catalyst used in preferred embodiments, minimal or no off-flavors and little color are formed during the course of the reaction, but the product may be purified using ion exchange, membrane filtration, or carbon treatment, or further modified by hydrogenation if desired for certain applications.

Abstract: The compound mirtazapine is found to be effective in treating sleep apneas. Optionally, mirtazapine is combined with an SSRI such as fluoxetin.

Abstract: A valve of the double block and bleed type construction comprises a first valve assembly housing a first ball valve and a second valve assembly housing a second ball valve. The first and second ball valves are independently actuable between open and closed positions. Each of the ball valves are held within the particular valve assembly by an annular retainer component. Each valve assembly has a passage through which fluid can pass when the ball valve is in an open condition and also a mating surface which is brought to bear against the mating surface of the other valve assembly to form a valve with a single joint.

Abstract: A process and a smelt reduction vessel (1) for producing metals and metal alloys, in particular iron and iron alloys, from metal oxides and ores in a smelt reduction vessel. The process and the vessel are characterized in that loss of liquid and solids with waste gases (11) from the vessel are minimized by causing the waste gases, oxidizing gases (5) and entrained liquid and solids in the space in the vessel that is above the molten metal to rotate about a vertical axis of the vessel thereby forcing liquid and solids outwardly toward the wall of the vessel. This rotational motion may be caused by injecting some or all the oxidizing gases through tuyeres (4) positioned above the bath surface obliquely to a vertical plane through a vertical axis of the vessel. The vessel may have a substantially rotationally symmetrical shape at least in the space above the molten metal (2A).