Abstract: The present invention relates to novel fluorobutenic acid hydrazides of the formula (I) ##STR1## in which Y represents C.dbd.O, C.dbd.S or SO.sub.2,R.sup.1 represents hydrogen or halogen andR.sup.2 represents alkyl, halogenoalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, alkylthioalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkenyloxy, alkoxy, cycloalkyloxy, alkylthio or respectively optionally substituted aryl, aralkyl, aralkyloxy or hetaryl,to processes for their preparation and to their use for controlling animal pests.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of novel, low molecular weight, non-peptide inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (e.g. gelatinases, stromelysins and collagenases) and TNF-.alpha. converting enzyme (TACE, tumor necrosis factor-.alpha.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions relating to novel pentafluorophenylsulfonamide derivatives and analogs and their use as pharmacologically active agents. The compositions find particular use as pharmacological agents in the treatment of disease states, particularly atherosclerosis and hypercholesterolemia, or as lead compounds for the development of such agents.

Abstract: A series of new azulene derivatives are disclosed, which are represented by the following formula; ##STR1## wherein: R.sub.1 is hydrogen atom, lower alkoxycarbonyl group, carboxy group, halogen atom, lower alkyl group, phenyl group or lower alkanoyl group; R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are hydrogen atom, lower alkyl group, lower alkoxy group or halogen atom; X is lower alkyl group or amino group.The compounds of the present invention are useful for treatment of inflammation.

Abstract: Sulfonamide-containing hydroxyethylamine compounds are effective as retroviral protease inhibitors, and in particular as inhibitors of HIV protease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel selective thrombin inhibitor having the following formula (I), which is also effective by oral administration: ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 represents acetyl substituted with aryl or aryloxy, or represents sulfonyl substituted with substituted or unsubstituted aryl or N-containing heterocyclic group,X represents a group of formula ##STR2## R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 independently of one another represent hydrogen; cycloalkyl substituted or unsubstituted with carboxyl or alkoxycarbonyl; arylalkyloxy; hydroxy; or lower alkyl substituted or unsubstituted with carboxyl, alkoxycarbonyl or hydroxy, orR.sup.2 and R.sup.3 together with nitrogen atom to which they are attached can form a piperidine group substituted with carboxyl or alkoxycarbonyl,R.sup.4 represents hydrogen, lower alkyl or lower alkoxy,R.sup.

Abstract: .alpha.- and .beta.-amino acid hydroxyethylamino sulfonamide compounds are effective as retroviral protease inhibitors, and in particular as inhibitors of HIV protease.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to non-peptidic factor Xa inhibitors which are useful for the treatment of arterial and venous thrombotic occlusive disorders, inflammation, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. The factor Xa inhibitors provide compounds of structure: ##STR1## or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; whereinR.sup.1 is alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, heteroaryl or substituted heteroaryl; R.sup.2 is one of hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl; R.sup.3 is one of hydrogen, hydroxy or alkoxy; R.sup.4 is one of --NH.sub.2, phenyl or pyridyl, wherein said phenyl and said pyridyl are optionally substituted with one or two of halogen, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy, amino, monoalkylamino, dialkylamino, aminoalkyl, monoalkylaminoalkyl and/or dialkylaminoalkyl; X is one of --CH.sub.2 -- or --C(O)--; and n is from zero to eleven; provided that when R.sup.4 is --NH.sub.2, then R.sup.3 is hydrogen and n is other than zero; and also provided that when R.sup.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I), wherein: A represents: a) a --VR.sup.6 group wherein v is --C(.dbd.O), --C(.dbd.O)O--, --CH.sub.2 O--, --CH.sub.2 OC(.dbd.O)--, --C(.dbd.S)--, --CH.sub.2 OC(.dbd.O)NH--, --C(.dbd.S)O--, --CH.sub.2 S--, --C(.dbd.O)NHSO.sub.2 --, --SO.sub.2 NHC(.dbd.O)-- or --CH.sub.2 OSiPh.sub.2 --; b) a --CH.sub.2 NR.sup.9 R.sup.10 group or a --CONR.sup.9 R.sup.10 group wherein each of R.sup.9 and R.sup.10 is independently hydrogen, -alkyl-, -alkenyl-, -alkynyl, -cycloalkyl, -cycloalkenyl, pyridyl (any of which may optionally be substituted) or a group --D as defined above or R.sup.9 and R.sup.10 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring; c) a group Y where Y is a 5- or 6-membered optionally substituted heterocyclic ring containing one or more heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur; or d) a group --CH.sub.2 Y or --C(.dbd.

Abstract: A class of terphenyl compounds is described for use in treating inflammation and inflammation-related disorders. Compounds of particular interest are defined by Formula II: ##STR1## wherein each of R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 is independently selected from hydrido and halo; or wherein R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 together form --OCH.sub.2 O--; wherein each of R.sup.6 through R.sup.8 is independently selected from hydrido, lower alkyl, halo, lower alkoxy, lower haloalkyl, and lower dialkylamino; or wherein R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 together form --OCH.sub.2 O; and wherein R.sup.12 is selected from lower alkylsulfonyl and aminosulfonyl; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: A class of substituted spiro compounds is described for use in treating inflammation and inflammation-related disorders. Compounds of particular interest are defined by Formula III: ##STR1## wherein n is a number selected from 0, 1 and 2; wherein R.sup.3 is methylsulfonyl or sulfamyl; and wherein R.sup.8 is selected from hydrido, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, butyl, tert-butyl, isobutyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, hydroxyl, mercapto, methylthio, ethylthio, cyano, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, chloromethyl, dichloromethyl, trichloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, heptafluoropropyl, difluorochloromethyl, dichlorofluoromethyl, difluoroethyl, difluoropropyl, dichloroethyl, dichloropropyl, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxymethyl, methoxymethyl and ethoxymethyl; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: A hydroxylamine derivatives of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R represents ##STR2## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represents alkyl group, alkenyl group, alkynyl group, cycloalkyl group, haloalkyl group, haloalkynyl group, alkoxy - alkyl group, phenoxy - alkyl group, alkylthio - alkyl group, alkylsulfonyl - alkyl group, alkylamino - alkyl group, phenyl group, benzyl group, phenethyl group, cinnamyl group, pyridyl group, furyl group, thienyl group, X represents CO.sub.2, CO or SO.sub.2, and R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 represent a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group, and n represents 0 or 1, and fungicides contain said compound as an active ingredient.The compounds of the present invention have excellent effects for controlling wood-rot fungi, plant diseases and fungi of humans and animals, and are useful as industrial, agricultural and medical fungicides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cathepsin L inhibitor containing a compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom or an arylalkyl, heterocyclic-alkyl or lower alkyl group which may be substituted; R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 independently are a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon residue which may be substituted; R.sup.4 is an alkanoyl, sulfonyl, carbonyloxy, carbamoyl or thiocarbamoyl group which may be substituted; X is formula: --CHO or --CH.sub.2 OB (wherein B is a hydrogen atom or a protecting group of hydroxyl group); m and n independently are an integer of 0 or 1; provided that R.sup.4 is an alkanoyl group substituted by aryl, a sulfonyl group substituted by aryl having more than 9 carbon atoms or by lower alkyl, or a carbamoyl or thiocarbamoyl group which may be substituted when R.sup.1 is an unsubstituted lower alkyl, arylalkyl on methylthioethyl group, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 independently are a lower alkyl or arylalkyl, X is --CHO, m is 1 and n is 0 or 1, or a salt thereof.

Abstract: Novel farnesyl derivatives which are inhibitors of the prenylated protein thyltransferase enzyme, and useful as anti-cancer drugs, have the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents farnesyl, geranyl or geranyl-geranyl;Z represents C--R.sup.6 or N;R.sup.2 represents H, CN, the groups COOR.sup.7, SO.sub.3 R.sup.7, CONR.sup.7 R.sup.8 and SO.sub.2 NR.sup.7 R.sup.7, wherein R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 are each independently hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, and the groups COOM and SO.sub.3 M, wherein M is a cation;R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5 and R.sup.6 are each independently hydrogen, carboxyl, alkyl, alkenyl, aminoalkyl, nitroalkyl, nitro, halo, amino, mono- or di-alkylamino, mercapto, mercaptoalkyl, azido, or thiocyanato;X represents O, S, SO, SO.sub.2, NH or Se; and the quaternary ammonium salts and N-oxides of the compounds of formula I wherein Z is N.

Abstract: Combinations of a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor and a leukotriene A.sub.4 hydrolase inhibitor are described for treatment of inflammation and inflammation-related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing nutrition to elderly patients. Pursuant to the present invention, the enteral composition includes a protein source, a lipid source, and a carbohydrate source. Preferably, the protein source includes at least 18% of the total calories. In an embodiment, the carbohydrate source includes a source of dietary fiber including a balance of soluble to insoluble fiber ratio of approximately 1:3. Still further, the composition of the present invention also includes increased levels of certain vitamins and minerals.

Abstract: Disclosed are the compounds of formula I ##STR1## wherein R and R.sub.1 together with the chain to which they are attached or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached form a ring; pharmaceutically acceptable prodrug derivatives and pharmaceutically salts thereof; methods of preparation thereof; pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds; and a method of inhibiting matrix-degrading metalloproteinase and of treating matrix-degrading metalloproteinase dependent conditions in mammals using such compounds.

Abstract: Aromatic sulfonamide derivatives, particularly benzenesulfonamide, 4-fluorobenzenesulfonamide, 5-chloro-1-naphthalenesulfonamide and 5-isoquinolinesulfonamide derivatives are provided that inhibit Ca.sup.2+ -dependent enzymes and proteins such as Phospholipase A.sub.2, protein kinases such as Protein Kinase C, and inhibit membrane fusion, thereby being a valuable drug for the treatment of inflammation, arthritis, infarction, nephritis and many other types of tissue injury.

Abstract: A class of 1,2-diarylcyclopentenyl compounds is described for use in treating inflammation and inflammation-related disorders. Compounds of particular interest are defined by Formula III: ##STR1## wherein each of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is independently selected from alkyl, hydrido, hydroxyalkyl, halo, haloalkyl, alkoxycarbonyl and carboxyl; wherein R.sup.5 is selected from alkylsulfonyl, haloalkylsulfonyl and sulfamyl; and wherein B is phenyl or pyridyl, wherein B is optionally substituted at a substitutable position with alkyl, halo, alkylthio, cyano, haloalkyl, alkoxy, hydroxyalkyl and alkoxyalkyl; or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for use in glaucoma treatment which contains as an active ingredient 5-[1-hydroxy-2-[2-(2-methoxyphenoxyl)ethylamino]ethyl]-2-methylbenzenesulf onamide of the formula: ##STR1## or its acid salt. This agent is free from side effects and stable and has an excellent intraocular pressure reducing activity at its low concentrations, thus being useful as a pharmaceutical composition for use in glaucoma treatment.

Abstract: A novel benzenesulfonamide derivative represented by the formula: ##STR1## has an inhibitory activity against phospholipase A.sub.2, so that it is effective in the treatment of diseases for which such an activity is efficacious.

Abstract: A method of reducing the severity of toxoplasmosis resulting from infection of a patient with Toxoplasma gondii by administering to a patient in need of such treatment, either after infection or before exposure to infection, a therapeutically effective amount of a compound that is a spiropiperidyl derivative of rifamycin S, wherein the derivative comprises an imidazole ring that includes carbons at positions 3 and 4 of the rifamycin ring, the carbon at position 2 of the imidazole ring also being a ring carbon at position 4 of a piperidine ring system, thereby forming a spiropiperidyl ring system, the spiropiperidyl ring system optionally comprising a lower hydrocarbon substituent on the nitrogen of the piperidine.

Abstract: Sulfonamide-containing hydroxyethylamine compounds are effective as retroviral protease inhibitors, and in particular as inhibitors of HIV protease.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds useful for the regulation of cholesterol of Formula I, methods for using them and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, ##STR1## wherein X and Y are oxygen, sulfur, or (CR'R").sub.n wherein n is 1 to 4; R is hydrogen, alkyl, or benzyl; R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are phenyl, substituted phenyl, naphthyl, substituted naphthyl, an aralkyl group, an alkyl chain, adamantyl, or a cycloalkyl group.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to non-peptidic factor Xa inhibitors which are useful for the treatment of arterial and venous thrombotic occlusive disorders, inflammation, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. The factor Xa inhibitors provide compounds of structure: ##STR1## wherein each R.sup.1 is independently one of alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, heteroaryl or substituted heteroaryl;each R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 is independently one of hydrogen, alkyl, aryl or arylalkyl;Y is a bond, or is one of --(CH.sub.2).sub.p --, cycloalkyl, aryl or C.sub.2-10 heterocycle; andm, n and p are each independently 1 to 10.

Abstract: Methods of treating optic neuritis comprising administering a protective agent which inhibits glutamate-mediated retinal cell damage to a mammal at risk of developing optic neuritis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing nutrition to elderly patients. Pursuant to the present invention, the enteral composition includes a protein source, a lipid source, and a carbohydrate source. Preferably, the protein source includes at least 18% of the total calories. In an embodiment, the carbohydrate source includes a source of dietary fiber including a balance of soluble to insoluble fiber ratio of approximately 1:3. Still further, the composition of the present invention also includes increased levels of certain vitamins and minerals.

Abstract: A method for coating finely divided particles with one or more hydrophobic materials, such as waxes, in order to envelope each particle with a thin layer of material that entraps air adhering to the surface of the particle. Because of the entrapped air, the apparent density of the particles is decreased and their stability in aqueous suspensions is greatly improved. When applied to pesticides, this process produces mixtures that remain substantially in suspension for several hours after agitation, thus allowing more uniform and trouble-free application.

Abstract: The invention relates to amidinophenylalanine derivatives, to the synthesis of these compounds, to their use and to pharmaceutical compositions which contain these compounds which act as thrombin inhibitors.

Abstract: The invention relates to the compounds of formula I ##STR1## pharmaceutically acceptable prodrug derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; methods for preparation thereof; pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds; and a method of inhibiting matrix-degrading metalloproteinase and of treating matrix-degrading metalloproteinase dependent conditions in mammals using such compounds.

Abstract: Substituted sulfonamides are selective .beta..sub.3 adrenergic receptor agonists with very little .beta..sub.1 and .beta..sub.2 adrenergic receptor activity and as such the compounds are capable of increasing lipolysis and energy expenditure in cells. The compounds thus have potent activity in the treatment of Type II diabetes and obesity. The compounds can also be used to lower triglyceride levels and cholesterol levels or raise high density lipoprotein levels or to decrease gut motility. In addition, the compounds can be used to reduced neurogenic inflammation or as antidepressant agents. The compounds are prepared by coupling an aminoalkylphenyl-sulfonamide with an appropriately substituted epoxide. Compositions and methods for the use of the compounds in the treatment of diabetes and obesity and for lowering triglyceride levels and cholesterol levels or raising high density lipoprotein levels or for increasing gut motility are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention encompasses the novel compound of Formula I useful in the treatment of cyclooxygenase-2 mediated diseases. ##STR1## The invention also encompasses certain pharmaceutical compositions for treatment of cyclooxygenase-2 mediated diseases comprising compounds of Formula I.

Abstract: Sulfonamide-containing hydroxyethylamine compounds are effective as retroviral protease inhibitors, and in particular as inhibitors of HIV protease.

Abstract: Methods are provided for using 2-hydroxy-3-aminopropylsulfonamides to mimic peptides and to modulate the chemical and/or biological activity of enzymes, particularly proteolytic enzymes. Also provided are compositions comprising the sulfonamides in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, adjuvant, or vehicle.

Abstract: Compounds of formula ##STR1## wherein Ar, W, Z, Q, R.sub.1, U, and T are as set forth herein, are described. These compounds are active as agents against retroviruses and in particular against HIV.

Abstract: Sulfonamide-containing hydroxyethylamine compounds are effective as retroviral protease inhibitors, and in particular as inhibitors of HIV protease.

Abstract: Sulfonamide-containing hydroxethylamine compounds are effective as retroviral protease inhibitors, and in particular as inhibitors of HIV protease.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of inhibiting metalloellastase activity, of inhibiting the degradation of elastin, or of treating macrophage metalloelastase dependent conditions in mammals which comprises administering to a mammal in need thereof an effective macrophage metalloelastase inhibiting amount of a compound of formula I ##STR1## wherein Ar, R, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 have meanings as defined, or of a pharmaceutically acceptable prodrug derivative thereof, or of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or of pharmaceutical compositions comprising a said compound.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds which inhibit farnesyl-protein transferase (FTase) and the farnesylation of the oncogene protein Ras. The invention is further directed to chemotherapeutic compositions containing the compounds of this invention and methods for inhibiting farnesyl-protein transferase and the farnesylation of the oncogene protein Ras.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds useful for the regulation of cholesterol of Formula I, methods for using them and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, ##STR1## wherein X and Y are oxygen, sulfur, or (CR'R").sub.n wherein n is 1 to 4; R is hydrogen, alkyl, or benzyl; R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are phenyl, substituted phenyl, naphthyl, substituted naphthyl, an aralkyl group, an alkyl chain, adamantyl, or a cycloalkyl group.

Abstract: The present invention concerns new substituted sulfonamides, and the physiologically acceptable salts, complexes, esters and amides thereof, represented by the formula ##STR1## which is defined herein. Said compounds find application as anti-thrombotic and anti-asthmatic medicines.

Abstract: The compound of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, are smooth muscle relaxants ##STR1##

Abstract: The compound of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, are smooth muscle relaxants.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I ##STR1## wherein A, X, Z and R.sub.1 -R.sub.5 are as defined in the description, and their salts have valuable pharmaceutical properties and are effective especially against tumors. They are prepared in a manner known per se.

Abstract: The invention relates to N,N-disubstituted arylcycloalkylamines of general formula ##STR1## wherein n, m, A, X and R.sup.1 to R.sup.7 are defined as in claim 1, the isomers, isomer mixtures and salts thereof, which have valuable properties, particularly an inhibitory effect on cholesterol biosynthesis.

Abstract: Particularly the invention relates to the compounds of formula I ##STR1## (a) wherein Ar is carbocyclic or heterocyclic aryl;R is hydrogen, lower alkyl, carbocyclic aryl-lower alkyl, carbocyclic aryl, heterocyclic aryl, biaryl, biaryl-lower alkyl, heterocyclic aryl-lower alkyl, mono- or poly-halo-lower alkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.7 -cycloalkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.7 -cycloalkyl-lower alkyl, hydroxy-lower alkyl, acyloxy-lower alkyl, lower alkoxy-lower alkyl, lower alkyl-(thio, sulfinyl or sulfonyl)-lower alkyl, amino, mono- or di-lower alkylamino)-lower alkyl, acylamino-lower alkyl, (N-lower alkyl-piperazino or N-aryl-lower alkylpiperazino)-lower alkyl, or (morpholino, thiomorpholino, piperidino, pyrrolidino, piperidyl or N-lower alkylpiperidyl)-lower alkyl;R.sub.1 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, carbocyclic aryl-lower alkyl, carbocyclic aryl, heterocyclic aryl, biaryl, biaryl-lower alkyl, heterocyclic aryl-lower alkyl, mono- or poly-halo-lower alkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.7 -cycloalkyl, C.sub.3 -C.sub.

Abstract: Novel mercaptosulfide matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors of the Formula I, ##STR1## wherein: n is 0 or 1;R.sup.1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl, amino lower alkyl, carbamoyl lower alkyl, PhtN(lower alkyl), TsNH(lower alkyl); andR.sup.2 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl, amino lower alkyl, carbamoyl lower alkyl, PhtN(lower alkyl), TsNH (lower alkyl); orR.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together are --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --;R.sup.3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl, aralkyl and heteroaralkyl; andR.sup.4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, lower alkyl, amino lower-alkyl, guanyl lower-alkyl, imidazoylalkyl, aralkyl and 2-indolylmethyl; andR.sup.5 is selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, aralkyl and --CH(R.sup.6)--C(O)NH.sub.2,whereinR.sup.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula I ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 signifies an aryl, aralkyl or an aralkenyl group, the aryl radical of which can, in each case, be substituted one or more times by halogen, cyano, alkyl, trifluoromethyl, alkoxy, alkylthio, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxyl or carboxyl, m a whole number from 1 to 3, n a whole number from 1 to 5, R.sub.2 hydrogen, an alkyl, aralkyl or acyl group, Q a bond or an oxygen atom, R.sub.3 hydrogen or a lower alkyl radical which is possibly terminally substituted by carboxyl or by a hydroxyl group and R.sub.4 hydrogen, a lower alkyl group with 1-4 C-atoms, which is possibly terminally substituted by carboxyl or hydroxyl, a possibly substituted phenyl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl or acyl group or a group ##STR2## in which R.sub.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting cell infection by an enveloped virus, by administering to an infection site, a therapeutically effective amount of a calix(n)arene compound derivatized, at its ring positions meta to the bridge attachements to the ring, with polar substitutent having a terminal carboxylate, phosphate, or sulfonate groups, including esters and amides which are cleavable in vivo. The compound may be administered orally, or topically, e.g., for treatment of herpes virus.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein X is O or CH.sub.2 ; Y is O, --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --, --CH.dbd.CH--, --C.tbd.C--, or --OCH.sub.2 C.sub.6 H.sub.4 --;Z is --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --, --CH.dbd.CH-- or --C.tbd.C--;f, h, k, m and t, independently, are 0 or 1;n is an integer from 1 to 12;R.sup.1 is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, cycloalkyl, or aralkyl; and A is B or --O--B, wherein B is a mono-, di- or tricyclic aromatic or heteroaromatic moiety substituted by the group --COR.sup.2, --(O).sub.t --(W).sub.s --COR.sup.2 or --(CH.dbd.CH).sub.p COR.sup.2 and which may also contain up to 4 additional substituents selected, independently, from the group consisting of halogen, cyano, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, sulfonamido, alkanoyl, aroyl, --(Q).sub.k --(W).sub.s' --E or --(Q).sub.k --(W).sub.s" --C.sub.6 H.sub.4 --(W).sub.s'" --E, provided that no more than one of said substituents is --(Q).sub.k --(W).sub.s' --E or --(Q).sub.k --(W).sub.s" --C.sub.6 H.sub.4 --(W).sub.s'" --E, and wherein E is COR.sup.