Abstract: Synthetic probes for detecting the activity of enzymes that catalyze reactions of post-translationally modified cysteine residues are described. The probes include “turn-on” probes that include a carbamate linkage that is cleaved via an intramolecular reaction with a free thiol produced by an enzyme catalyzed activity. The probes also include ratiometric, Michael addition-based probes that respond to enzymatic activity by a change in structure that results in a change in fluorescence properties. Methods of using the probes to detect enzymatic activity and disease are described. For example, the probes can be used to detect enzymatic activity in a variety of samples, including live cells and heterogeneous tissues. In addition, prodrugs that can be activated by enzymes that catalyze reactions of post-translationally modified cysteine residues and methods of using the prodrugs to treat disease are described.

Abstract: Synthetic probes for detecting the activity of enzymes that catalyze reactions of post-translationally modified cysteine residues are described. The probes include “turn-on” probes that include a carbamate linkage that is cleaved via an intramolecular reaction with a free thiol produced by an enzyme catalyzed activity. The probes also include ratiometric, Michael addition-based probes that respond to enzymatic activity by a change in structure that results in a change in fluorescence properties. Methods of using the probes to detect enzymatic activity and disease are described. For example, the probes can be used to detect enzymatic activity in a variety of samples, including live cells and heterogeneous tissues. In addition, prodrugs that can be activated by enzymes that catalyze reactions of post-translationally modified cysteine residues and methods of using the prodrugs to treat disease are described.

Abstract: A non-electric low energy fuse comprises plastics tubing within which there is provided a core loading of mixed particles of a metal or quasi metal fuel and a secondary high explosive, wherein the core loading additionally contains up to 50% (w/w with respect to the total weight of the core loading) of a particulate solid oxygen-releasing agent effective to enhance the oil resistance of the fuse.

Abstract: A delay device or detonator contains a delay composition comprising a consolidated, particulate mixture of silicon and a suitable oxidant, and a minor effective proportion of dispersed metal compound intimately incorporated therewith to serve as a reaction facilitating flux, and the metal compound may be selected from alkali metal salts such as sodium chloride, sodium sulphate, potassium sulphate; lead monoxide, oxides of antimony such as Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3, or Sb.sub.2 O.sub.5, vanadium e.g. V.sub.2 O.sub.5 or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: In the field of blasting, an improvement in means for transmitting an initiating signal (non-electrically) to an explosive device to remotely detonate same in accordance with a predetermined delay period of the type which comprises tubing in which there is provided a reactive chemical composition containing at least one fuel component and at least one oxidant in intimate admixture that is capable of propagating a combustion signal from one end of said tubing to the other, the improvement consisting in the use of barium peroxide (BaO.sub.2) as the oxidant.

Abstract: A connection device for blasting signal transmission tubing comprises a housing consisting of first and second hinged section (1, 2) provided with cooperating arcuate raised portions (3, 5) and grooves (4, 6) which, when the housing is closed, define first and second arcuate, circular-section channels, interconnected by a further channel (8). In use, first and second lengths of transmission tube are located in the arcuate channels and are partially cut by a blade (10) mounted in the connecting channel (8) to form apertures therein, whereby a portion of a blasting signal entering the connector via one of the tubes will spill out of that tube, traverse the connecting channel (8), and initiate a signal in each arm of the other tube.

Abstract: A primer for explosives comprises a shaped charge of detonating material for use with an initiator such as a detonator or fuse cord which penetrates into the charge at least about as far as its center of mass, wherein said primer has a cavity for receiving said initiator and a shock attenuator in the form of an insert of inert material of lower density than the detonating material which extends from the surface of the charge into the charge to a desired detonation region and has a portion surrounding at least a part of the length of the cavity and defining an inlet for insertion of said initiating means, the density of the insert relative to the detonating material and shape thereof providing for improved detonation of the primer.