Abstract: The present invention relates to dietary compositions comprising reduced level of methionine, tryptophan, all amino acids, or protein, dietary compositions comprising glycerol as a substitute for monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides, and hypocaloric or calorie free diets with reduced level of energy, carbohydrates, or protein. Also disclosed are methods of using these compositions and diets, as well as fasting, to protect subjects against chemotherapy, radiotherapy, oxidative stress, or aging.

Abstract: Provided herein are processes for conversion of methane to acetic acid. In one embodiment, the processes are for direct, selective conversion of methane to acetic acid in a single step.

Abstract: Poly(1-hydro-1-R-1-sila-cis-pent-3-ene) and poly(1-hydro-1-R-3,4 benzo-1-sila pent-3-ene) polymers having repeating units of the general formula ##STR1## where R is hydrogen, an alkyl radical containing from one to four carbon atoms or phenyl, R.sup.1 is hydrogen, an alkyl radical containing from one to four carbon atoms, phenyl or a halogen and R.sup.2 is hydrogen, or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are combined to form a phenyl ring, are prepared by the anionic ring opening polymerization of silacyclopent-3-enes or 2-silaindans with an organometallic base and cation coordinating ligand catalyst system.