Abstract: The blue marine sponge Cribrochalina sp., collected in the Republic of the Maldives, was found to contain the new cell growth inhibitory isoquinolinequinones designated cribrostatin 1 (8.8.times.10.sup.-6 % yield) and 2 (3.1.times.10.sup.-6 % yield) which are active against the P388 lymphocytic leukemia cell line (PS ED.sub.50 1.58 .mu.g/mL, PS ED.sub.50 2.73 .mu.g/mL, respectively). Importantly, both cribrostatins 1 and 2 have shown selective activity against all of the nine human melanoma cell lines employed by the U.S. National Cancer Institute. Structural determinations of both substances were accomplished utilizing high field NMR (400 MHz) and mass spectral studies. Confirmation of the cribrostatin 1 structure was achieved by X-ray crystallographic techniques.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a highly sensitive non-contact force microscope having a coaxial cantilever-tip configuration and a method of forming such configuration. The non-contact microscope obtains high resolution graphical images of a sample surface topography, and/or other properties thereof including its electrostatic, magnetic, or Van der Waals forces.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are several pentapeptide methyl ester derivatives of dolatin 10, using both naturally occurring and modified amino acids. The selected modified amino acids are constituents of dolastatin 10 which is a structurally distinct peptide with excellent in vitro and in vivo antineoplastic activity.

Abstract: An unobtrusive carrier for self-protective devices is disclosed. Such a carrier has a body portion to which is connected a carrying strap. The body portion has a special secret compartment which is solely accessible by a spring-biased opening at one end of the body portion. The spring-biased opening comprises a frame assembly having two frame members pivotally connected to each other such that they can alternately be held in closed position against the spring-biasing or snapped to open position by the spring arms when a catch is released. A holster is provided within the secret compartment.

Abstract: The cytostatic cycloheptapeptide stylostatin 2 was isolated respectively, from the South and Western Pacific Ocean sponges Stylotella sp. and Phakellia costata. Structural determination was accomplished by utilizing high-field (500 MHz) 2D-NMR experiments and confirmed by an X-ray crystal structure determination to provide the assignment cyclo(Pro-Leu-Ile-Phe-Ser-Pro-Ile). The absolute configuration was established by chiral gas chromatographic analytical technique. The cyclic heptapeptide backbone was found to include a .beta.-turn, type VIa, incorporating a cis peptide bond, at -Ser-Pro.

Abstract: An all-weather canopy assembly for a mobile child carrier comprising a frame assembly including at least two flexible, elongated tubular side members connected to a cross member. The frame assembly is detachably secured to a child carrier by pliable retention structure and is covered with an adjustable nylon or other cloth fabric cover which is attached to the frame assembly with hook-and-loop fasteners and which is slidable thereupon to provide selective protection for a child seated in the carrier.

Abstract: A filtration system for cleaning contaminated fluids having input means disposed tangentially of a cylindrical filter surface and simultaneously sweeping said surface and providing a fluid flow therethrough and backwash means having one or more nozzle bearing standpipes adapted to simultaneously rotate within and axially reciprocate spray nozzles relative to a cylindrical filter assembly to dislodge particulates therefrom either concurrently or independently of the flow of contaminated fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A solar energy collector expansion assembly including means for reducing having axial thermal expansion in the riser tube is described in which each riser tube has a pair of solar collecting panels attached thereto by a removable elongated "C"-shaped connection member. The "C"-shaped connection member is deliberately made from a material having a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than does the material from which the solar collecting panel and the riser tube are formed thereby influencing the dimensional thermal expansion of the riser tube-connection member assembly into a radial rather than axial direction thereby reducing the weakening and failure of the bonds which join the riser tube to adjoining members. Each riser tube-connection member assembly is curved slightly from linear into a cambered shape to further influence the path of thermal expansion of the assembly from a direction other than axial.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a novel and unique class of gly materials and methods of making such materials in which substantially all of the anions are nitride ions, in contrast to the oxide ions of conventional optical glasses, or the fluoride ions of the more recently discovered fluoride optical glasses. The chemical nature of these new glasses dispose the glassy materials to a remarkable combination of desirable properties, including, but not limited to, high hardness, high refractive index and high softening temperature.

Abstract: A self-contained comfort device having a generally rectangular body portion and two pocket members disposed one on each surface of the body portion for containing the device when the device is folded and the pocket member is inverted thereabout. A generally rectangular resilient pad is incorporated within one of the pocket members. Preferably, the device is made with fleece on one surface and water-resistant material on the other. Customized logos may also be imprinted or embroidered on either surface.

Abstract: A collapsible stringed instrument which is integrated into a compact carrying case with a portable sound studio. This instrument is collapsible by sliding the fretboard along channels in the body of the instrument inwardly or toward the rearward face of the case to retract or collapse the instrument for carrying. This instrument is extendible by following the reverse process. A novel, removable multiple coil pickup is included which plays at a normal electric tone or pitch, or at a combined, different tone or pitch by alternately lifting open or lowering to close the hinged top portion thereof. Said portable sound studio has a compact disc (CD) player, cassette tape player/recorder, and a special effects circuitry board for amplifying, mixing and altering sounds. An alternative embodiment of the present invention includes a "Hummingbird" fretboard having frets with ridges cut therein and which ridges generally decrease in size and shape in direct correspondence to guitar string size and shape.

Abstract: An Eastern Indian Ocean marine sponge in the genus Spongia was located in the Republic of the Maldives and found to contain a structurally unprecedented macrocyclic lactone named spongistatin 1. The new perhydropyran-containing structure, as shown below, was found to be remarkably potent and specific, log molar TCI.sub.50 to <-10, against twenty human cancer cell lines in the U.S. National Cancer Institute's panel of sixty.

Abstract: A new-type of macrocyclic lactone denominated "dictyostatin 1" bearing a membered ring system is isolated from a Republic of Maldives marine sponge in the genus Spongia sp. and found to strongly inhibit the growth of an important selection of U.S. National Cancer Institute human cancer cell system and the murine P388 lymphocytic leukemia (PS ED.sub.50 3.8.times.10.sup.-4 mg/ml).

Abstract: An intensive long-term investigation of marine organisms as sources of new anticancer drugs has led to the isolation and structural elucidation (primarily by high field NMR and mass spectrometry) of halistatin 1, a new polyether macrolide of the halipyran-type, from the Western Indian Ocean sponge Phakellia carteri. Halistatin 1 (8.8.times.10.sup.-7 % yield) caused the accumulation of cells arrested in mitosis, inhibited tubulin polymerization, and inhibited the binding of radiolabeled vinblastine and GTP to tubulin.

Abstract: A system providing rapid and efficient evacuation of valuables from a storage site such a home or office. Such rapid evacuation is often required in the face of impending disaster. A storage container, for example a drawer, is provided with an inner lining. Valuables are stored on the lining within the drawer. The lining itself is an open carrier having side walls which are folded so as to configure the liner to the drawer. In the case of emergency evacuation, the side walls of the liner are rapidly unfolded by grasping draw strings which act to remove the liner from the drawer and to close the liner to provide a closed transport carrier for the valuables stored within the drawer.

Abstract: The synthesis of useful peptides presents a promising approach to new theeutic agents. The Dolastatins, a series of linear and cyclic antineoplastic and/or cytostatic peptides isolated from Indian Ocean sea hare Dolabella auricularia represent excellent leads for synthetic modification.The extraordinary inhibition of cell growth shown by the pentapeptideamides against six major types of human cancer has been presented. The intermediates of these reaction also show anticancer activity against the murine P388 lymphocytic leukemia cell line.

Abstract: New antineoplastic substances have been isolated, structurally elucidated and synthesized having a general structural formula of: ##STR1## wherein: R.sub.1 is OH or OCH.sub.3 ;R.sub.2 is H or OCH.sub.3 ; or R.sub.1 R.sub.2 is --OCH.sub.2 O--;R.sub.3 is H or OH;R.sub.4 is OH or OCH.sub.3.These substances have been denominated "combretastatin A-1, -A-2, -A-3, -B-1, -B-2, -B-3 and -B-4". Pharmaceutical preparation containing the substances and methods of treating a host inflicted with a neoplastic growth with the preparation is described.

Abstract: For use in rear turbine stabilized helicopters, a air foil blade comprising an integrally formed and readily replicated spar and blade in which the blade is created from compounded plastic having cellular structure and adherent to the spar. The air foil blade is produced by a unique adaptation of an injection molding process using a foamed polypropylene thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A Southwest Indian Ocean marine sponge Spirastrella spinispirulifera (bri colored reds and purples) has been found to contain new and exceptionally active cell (human cancer) growth inhibitors spongistatin 5, spongistatin 7, spongistatin 8 and spongistatin 9. These compositions are related to spongistatin 1, which was found in a black Spongia sp. in the Porifera family. A method of treating human cancer cells with spongistatin 5 and spongistatin 7 is also disclosed.