Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a plastidic phosphoglucomutase protein is disclosed. Also disclosed is the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a substantial portion of the plastidic phosphoglucomutase, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the plastidic phosphoglucomutase in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: An apparatus for exposing photo-sensitive printing plates in preparation for using the plates to produce printed images comprising a liquid crystal device (LCD) wherein the LCD comprises a transparent liquid that when activated by an electrical signal becomes opaque to the transmission of light. A plurality of essentially identical LCDs are arrayed in a closely spaced regular pattern in the same plane wherein the array has approximately the same overall dimensions of a printing plate to be exposed. A light source is disposed behind the LCD array such that light from the light source passes through the LCD array and onto the printing plate. A computer system is connected to the LCD array and light wherein the activation of individual LCDs within the array and the activation of the light source is controlled by the computer. When the light source is turned on, the photo-sensitive printing plates are exposed in preparation for using the plates to produce printed images.

Abstract: A medical guide wire torquer is disclosed which is adapted for one-handed convenient attachment, release, and re-attachment to a medical guide wire utilized during medical procedures. The guide wire torquer has a body having ends and positioners integral or affixed to each end, a first channel, and an internal cavity. At least one elastomer is positioned within the internal cavity. A button is positioned within the cavity for engagement to the elastomer where the button extends beyond the body. The button includes a pair of retainers adapted for engagement to the positioners and a second channel adapted for alignment with the first channel during the release of a guide wire. A guide wire is releasably grasped by the vertical movement of the button within the cavity which causes the expansion of the elastomers which, in turn, results in a binding of the guide wire between the first and second channels.