Abstract:
Apparatus for Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance testing a remote sample containing a given species of quadrupolar nucleus includes at least one probe (112) having a given maximum cross-sectional dimension; a device (102) for applying excitation to the probe or at least one of the probes to excite nuclear quadruple resonance for a selected range of distance of the sample from each such probe, the selected range being at least one tenth of the given maximum dimension of the probe, the apparatus being adapted to produce a non-uniform field over the selected range; and a device (106) for detecting the resonance response signal from the sample via the probe or at least one of the probes; the excitation being such as would generate non-zero resonance signals at all distances within the selected range.
Abstract:
A method for treating plant seed is provided comprising contacting them with a first surface of semi-permeable membrane having first and second surfaces, the second surface being in direct contact with a solution of predetermined osmotic potential, whereby the seeds abstract water from the solution through the membrane, wherein the seed and semi-permeable membrane are constantly or periodically caused to move relative to each other such as to constantly or periodically reorient the seed with respect to the first surface such that the transfer of water occurs evenly over substantially the entire surface area of the seed. For seed priming the osmotic pressure and the period for which the seeds are maintained in contact with the membrane are sufficient to allow pre-germinative metabolic processes to take place within the seeds up to a level limited to that immediately preceding radicle emergence. Methods for germinating seed and inducing desiccation tolerance in seed are also provided. Preferably the semi-permeable membrane is provided in the form of a tube of circular or polygonal cross-section which is rotated with the seeds on its inner surface and the solution retained between its outer surface and a further body to which the membrane is sealed in a watertight manner.
Abstract:
A herpes simplex virus type I (HSV-1) mutant capable of establishing latent infection in the absence of in vivo viral replication in neuronal cells and of expressing an inserted therapeutic gene, which comprising: (i) a DNA sequence change in the gene coding for Vmw65 protein, such as to substantially remove the transducing properties while retaining its structural role and thereby preventing in vivo replication, the DNA sequence change being achieved by a transition or transversion alteration of 1 to 72 base pairs, an oligonucleotide insert of 3 to 72 base pairs, or a deletion of 3 to 72 base pairs, at a position between amino acids 289 and 412 of the protein; and (ii) a therapeutic gene inserted into a region of the HSV-1 genome which is non-essential for culture of the virus, and a promoter therefor able to express the therapeutic gene in neuronal cells in vivo. The preferred insertion site for the therapeutic gene (e.g. tyrosine hydroxylase gene) is within the thymidine kinase gene of HSV in 1814.
Abstract:
A bilayer laminated medical dressing having a thermally expandable passage is provided. The medical dressing achieves gas permeability as a function of temperature by cutting a star-shaped hole through the dressing when the dressing is flat and relaxed. On warming, the leaves between the radial cuts of the star-shaped hole curl and increase the hole size. Such a material is useful as a medical dressing.
Abstract:
The invention relates to the use of one or more methyl xanthines to enhance the flower and foliage color of plant material and compositions therefor; compositions to promote the continued development of plant material comprising a methyl xanthine and a gibberellin; use of a composition comprising a methyl xanthine and a gibberellin to promote the continued development of plant material; and plant material treated with a composition as defined above
Abstract:
Microporous polytetrafluoroethylene is metallised with 1 micron platinum, which is plasma-oxygenated then plasma-hydrogenated, whereby to increase the surface area of the platinum. The resulting composite body has applications as a catalyst or electrode.
Abstract:
Cyclopentaquinazoline of the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen, amino, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, C.sub.1-4 hydroxyalkyl or C.sub.1-4 fluoroalkyl; wherein R.sup.2 is hydrogen, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.3-4 alkenyl, C.sub.3-4 alkynyl, C.sub.2-4 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.2-4 halogenoalkyl or C.sub.1-4 cyanoalkyl; Ar.sup.1 is phenylene, thiophenediyl, thiazolediyl, pyridinediyl or pyrimidinediyl which may optionally bear one or two substituents selected from halogeno, hydroxy, amino, nitro, cyano, trifluoromethyl, C.sub.1-4 alkyl and C.sub.1-4 alkoxy; and wherein R.sup.3 is a group of the formula: --A.sup.1 --Ar.sup.2 --A.sup.2 --Y.sup.1 in which A.sup.1, A.sub.2, Y.sup.1 and Ar.sub.2 are defined in claim 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester there of are of therapeutic value particularly in the treatment of cancer.
Abstract:
The rate of healing of a wound can be delayed or anomalous wound healing inhibited by applying an Agaricus bisporus lectin (agglutinin) to the site of the wound.
Abstract:
A protein which inhibits milk secretion by lactating goats has been isolated from milk by anion exchange of a defined whey fraction, optionally followed by chromatofocussing, and is defined by reference to peaks in which it is found, its molecular weight of 7.6 KDa and pI of 4.8.
Abstract:
A whiteware ceramic composition is provided comprising a filler, 4 to 10% by weight of a flux having a median particle size of below 6 microns, a prefired ceramic material milled separately from the other components, and raw clay constituting from 5 to 20% by weight of the composition. Fired whiteware made by firing the composition of the invention is also disclosed.