Abstract: A user-actuated stretching device (10) activates an alarm and/or a controller (48) in response to a stretch velocity condition or stretch load condition being detected. Exemplary stretch velocity conditions may be a detected drop in stretch velocity and/or a detected excessive stretch velocity. The alarm may be visual, audible or tactile. The controller preferably takes the form of a solenoid (48) which can lock a hydraulic damper (46) in response to a stretching velocity condition being detected. The device optimises stretching and reduces the risk of over-stretching and injury.

Abstract: Network and storage calls are reduced by batching messages. Messages are collected from a client and sent to the gateway or backend application in one round trip. Alternatively, the messages are collected for different entities, and the batched messages are durably stored. Related messages, which may have the same sessionID, are grouped into a logical unit or session. This session may be locked to a single message consumer. A session may be associated with an application processing state as an atomic unit of work while other operations are performed on the messages in the session. Acknowledgements are accumulated by a broker on a message server, but the messages are not immediately deleted. Instead, multiple messages in a selected range are periodically truncated from a message store in a single operation. Expired messages for active sessions are proactive cleaned up to prevent sessions from reaching a quota or limit.

Abstract: A spring-biased hinged assembly (10) including a spool (30) associated with a first hinged member (20) a spring (70) associated with a second hinged member (60) and a tensile member (100) extending from the spool (30) to the spring (70).

Abstract: The present invention is predicated, in part, on the functional characterisation of membrane bound proteins that contribute to cation flux across biological membranes. In accordance with the present invention, it has been determined that at least some PQ-loop repeat polypeptides contribute to cation flux across biological membranes.

Abstract: A computer system identifies a source node that is to be connected to a target node, where the target node is connected to the source node using an edge that links a connection region associated with the source node to a candidate connection region of the target node. The computer system identifies candidate connection region constraints that place restrictions on where the candidate connection regions can be positioned on the target node and determines, based on the identified candidate connection region constraints, the position of each candidate connection region relative to the target node. At least two of the candidate connection regions are disconnected so that an edge's connection to the target node can change between the disconnected connection regions. The computer system also visually represents the position of each of the candidate connection regions of the target node.

Abstract: Apparatus for the wireless transmission of data, and preferably also of power, across a space between a length of production tubing and a surrounding casing in a petrochemical well, includes a pair of inductively-coupled coils, a first of which is located on the exterior of the production tubing generally coaxially therewith, and the second of which is located on the interior of the casing generally coaxially therewith. This may be used in particular as part of a system for transmitting power and data to/from a sensor monitoring the pressure and/or other environmental conditions within the “B” annulus B of a sub-sea well.

Abstract: The application describes methods and apparatus for distributed fibre sensing, especially distributed acoustic/strain sensing. The method involves launching at least first and second pulse pairs into an optical fibre, the first and second pulse pairs having the same frequency configuration as one another and being generated such that the phase relationship of the pulses of the first pulse pair has a predetermined relative phase difference to the phase relationship of the pulses of the second pulse pair. In one embodiment there is a frequency difference between the pulses in a pulse pair which is related to the launch rate of the pulse pairs. In another embodiment the phase difference between the pulses in a pair is varied between successive launches. In this way an analytic version of the backscatter interference signal can be generated within the baseband of the sensor.

Abstract: The application describes methods and apparatus for distributed fibre sensing, especially distributed acoustic/strain sensing. The method involves launching interrogating radiation in to an optical fibre and sampling radiation backscattered from within said fibre at a rate so as to acquire a plurality of samples corresponding to each sensing portion of interest. The plurality of samples are divided into separate processing channels and processed to determine a phase value for that channel. A quality metric is then applied to the processed phase data and the data combined to provide an overall phase value for the sensing portion based on the quality metric. The quality metric may be a measure of the degree of similarity of the processed data from the channels. The interrogating radiation may comprise two relatively narrow pulses separated by a relatively wide gap and the sampling rate may be set such that a plurality of substantially independent diversity samples are acquired.

Abstract: A method for providing a query-based diagrammatic presentation of data includes generating a filter element that defines a set of groups and includes a set of declarative queries that define information to be included in the set of groups. The filter element is applied to a data source, which includes performing the set of declarative queries on the data source, thereby generating a set of query results for each of the groups. A diagram is generated that includes a set of shapes representing the set of groups, and a set of nodes nested within each of the shapes, wherein the nodes for each group are determined based on the query results for that group.

Abstract: An integrated pole-to-ski coupling arrangement that provides coupling formations on a ski pole and ski that releasably connect the pole and ski to create a unitary ski-pole combination that leaves the rear tail of the ski clear and unencumbered. A pole coupling formation may be placed on either the shaft or the grip of the pole, and a ski coupling formation may be placed on the boot bindings or attachments thereto. Optionally, the surface formation of the boot bindings may be employed as ski coupling formations. Multiple pole and ski coupling formations allow for a secure and rigid connection.

Abstract: A method includes transmitting an interface to a display device, where the interface represents a view of at least a portion of a graph. The graph is based on a model of a system and includes a plurality of nodes connected by a plurality of links, where at least one node of the graph includes another node. The method includes receiving a command to store a placemarker corresponding to the view and storing the placemarker. The placemarker is selectable to restore the view at the interface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic routes to prepare a compound of the formula wherein R1 is halogen, C1-6halogenalkyl, C1-6alkoxy-C1-6alkyloxy or C1-6alkoxy-C1-6alkyl; R2 is halogen, C1-4alkyl or C1-4alkoxy; R3 and R4 are independently branched C3-6alkyl; and R5 is cycloalkyl, C1-6alkyl, C1-6hydroxyalkyl, C1-6alkoxy-C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkanoyloxy-C1-6alkyl, C1-6aminoalkyl, C1-6alkylamino-C1-6alkyl, C1-6dialkylamino-C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkanoylamino-C1-6alkyl, HO(O)C—C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkyl-O—(O)C—C1-6alkyl, H2N—C(O)—C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkyl-HN—C(O)—C1-6alkyl or (C1-6alkyl)2N—C(O)—C1-6alkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as well as key intermediates obtained when following these routes as well as their preparation.

Abstract: A method of providing cognitive training to a user, the method including, in a processing system, presenting a cognitive task to a user, the cognitive task requiring the user to view presented information and provide at least one input response; determining the at least one input response using an input device; determining from a measuring device a measure of electrical activity in the user's brain whilst performing the cognitive task; and, determining a score based on at least one of the at least one input response and the measured electrical activity.

Abstract: Inertial sensor having a body with first and second cavities on opposite sides thereof, a sensing element in the first cavity, electronic circuitry in the second cavity, electrical conductors interconnecting the sensing element and the circuitry, and leads connected electrically to the circuitry and extending from the body for mounting the sensor and making connections with the circuitry.

Abstract: The invention related to a novel process, novel process steps and novel intermediates useful in the synthesis of pharmaceutically active compounds, especially renin inhibitors, such as Aliskiren. Inter alia, the invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a compound of the formula III, wherein R, R1, and R? are as defined in the specification, or a salt thereof, and a compound of formula IV wherein R, R1, R2 and R? are as defined in the specification, and processes of manufacturing these.

Abstract: Some optical communications networks include one ingress fiber, an n-way signal coupler, and n egress fibers, where each fiber may carry signals in one or both directions. A method and apparatus for testing and monitoring data communications immediately before and after the coupler is provided. Benefits include improved ability to identify and locate system faults, and improved ability to monitor data quality and content.

Abstract: The present invention is predicated, in part, on the identification of a gene involved in salinity tolerance in plants. As such, the present invention relates to methods for modulating salinity tolerance in plants. The present invention also provides plant cells and plants having modulated salinity tolerance. In further embodiments, the present invention also provides methods for determining the salinity tolerance of plant cells and plants.

Abstract: Apparatus for the wireless transmission of data, and preferably also of power, across a space between a length of production tubing and a surrounding casing in a petrochemical well, includes a pair of inductively-coupled coils, a first of which is located on the exterior of the production tubing generally coaxially therewith, and the second of which is located on the interior of the casing generally coaxially therewith. This may be used in particular as part of a system for transmitting power and data to/from a sensor monitoring the pressure and/or other environmental conditions within the “B” annulus B of a sub-sea well.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a computer system instantiates an interactive layout system that is configured to display a layout with various diagram portions, where each diagram portion includes layout parts and corresponding constraints identifying how the layout parts of the diagram portion are to be displayed. The computer system receives input from a user indicating that at least one of the diagram portions is to be moved. The computer system determines the manner in which each diagram portion is to be moved based on the received user input. The moving includes rotating and/or scaling the diagram portions of the layout according to the received user input, such that the layout parts remain fixed in position relative to one another, but are scaled and/or rotated to fit the surrounding layout according to the corresponding constraints. The computer system dynamically moves the layout parts of the diagram portions according to the determination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic routes to prepare a compound of the formula wherein R1 is halogen, C1-6halogenalkyl, C1-6alkoxy-C1-6alkyloxy or C1-6alkoxy-C1-6alkyl; R2 is halogen, C1-4alkyl or C1-4alkoxy; R3 and R4 are independently branched C3-6alkyl; and R5 is cycloalkyl, C1-6alkyl, C1-6hydroxyalkyl, C1-6alkoxy-C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkanoyloxy-C1-6alkyl, C1-6aminoalkyl, C1-6alkylamino-C1-6alkyl, C1-6dialkylamino-C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkanoylamino-C1-6alkyl, HO(O)C-C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkyl-O—(O)C—C1-6alkyl, H2N—C(O)—C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkyl-HN—C(O)—C1-6alkyl or (C1-6alkyl)2N—C(O)—C1-6alkyl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as well as key intermediates obtained when following these routes as well as their preparation.