Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic plants which produce poly-beta-D-hydroxybutyric acid (PHB) and related polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). The production of PHB is accomplished by genetically transforming the plants with modified genes from microorganisms. The genes encode the enzymes required to synthesize PHB from acetyl-CoA or related metabolites. PHB is a very useful polymer which is biodegradable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable PHA copolymers comprising at least two randomly repeating monomer units. The present invention further relates to a plastic article comprising a biodegradable copolymer, wherein the biodegradable copolymer comprises at least two randomly repeating monomer units (RRMU) wherein the first RRMU has the structure ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is H, or C.sub.1 or C.sub.2 alkyl, and n is 1 or 2; the second RRMU has the structure ##STR2## wherein R.sup.2 is a C.sub.4 -C.sub.19 alkyl or alkenyl; and wherein at least 50% of the RRMUs have the structure of the first RRMU. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet comprising a film comprising a PHA of the present invention and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable PHA copolymers comprising at least two randomly repeating monomer units. The present invention further relates to a plastic article comprising a biodegradable copolymer, wherein the biodegradable copolymer comprises at least two randomly repeating monomer units (RRMU) wherein the first RRMU has the structure ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is H, or C.sub.1 or C.sub.2 alkyl, and n is 1 or 2; the second RRMU has the structure ##STR2## wherein R.sup.2 is a C.sub.4 -C.sub.19 alkyl or alkenyl; and wherein at least 50% of the RRMUs have the structure of the first RRMU. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet comprising a film comprising a PHA of the present invention and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Abstract: Homogeneous polymer blends are prepared from otherwise thermodynamically immiscible polymers, especially including block copolymers. Thus, polymers such as polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) block copolymer or polystyrene/poly(1,2-butadiene) block copolymer are dissolved under pressure in supercritical fluid solvents such as chlorodifluoromethane and n-butane, respectively, and expanded through a fine nozzle. As the SCF solvent evaporates, the polymer deposits as a substantially homogeneous material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an infusion product for making a beverage comprising an infusible material and a soluble additive material packaged in an infusion bag, wherein the soluble additive material comprises a co-agglomerate of a creamer base and a sweetener base. The present invention also relates to a process for making an infusion product comprising packaging an infusion material and a co-agglomerate of a creamer base and a sweetener base in an infusion bag. The present invention further relates to a method of preparing an individual serving of a beverage such as coffee, tea or the like, comprising immersing in a receptacle of hot water such an infusion product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable PHA copolymers comprising at least two randomly repeating monomer units (RRMU) wherein the first RRMU has the structure ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is H or C.sub.2 alkyl, and n is 1 or 2; the second RRMU has the structure ##STR2## ; and wherein at least 50% of the RRMUs have the structure of the first RRMU. The present invention further relates to plastic articles comprising said biodegradable PHA copolymers. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet comprising a film comprising a PHA of the present invention and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable PHA copolymers comprising at least two randomly repeating monomer units (RRMU) wherein the first RRMU has the structure ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is H or C.sub.2 alkyl, and n is 1 or 2; the second RRMU has the structure ##STR2## and wherein at least 50% of the RRMUs have the structure of the first RRMU. The present invention further relates to plastic articles comprising said biodegradable PHA copolymers. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet comprising a film comprising a PHA of the present invention and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable PHA copolymers comprising at least two randomly repeating monomer units. The present invention further relates to a plastic article comprising a biodegradable copolymer, wherein the biodegradable copolymer comprises at least two randomly repeating monomer units (RRMU) wherein the first RRMU has the structure ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is H, or C.sub.1 or C.sub.2 alkyl, and n is 1 or 2; the second RRMU has the structure ##STR2## wherein R.sup.2 is a C.sub.4 --C.sub.19 alkyl or alkenyl; and wherein at least 50% of the RRMUs have the structure of the first RRMU. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet comprising a film comprising a PHA of the present invention and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to topical compositions comprising a peptide having the formulaQ.sup.a -(Xaa).sub.n -Q.sup.cwherein Q.sup.a is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkyloyl, aryloyl, arylalkyloyl, alkyloxoyl, aryloxoyl and arylalkyloxoyl; Q.sup.c is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, alkyloxy, aryloxy, arylalkyloxy, alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino, (aryl)(alkyl)amino, arylalkylamino, diarylalkylamino, (alkyl)(arylalkyl)amino, (aryl)(arylalkyl)amino, and amino; n is an integer selected from the group consisting of 3, 4, 5 and 6; Xaa is independently any amino acid; and at least three of the amino acids are selected from the group consisting of arginine and lysine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable PHA copolymers comprising at least two randomly repeating monomer units. The present invention further relates to a plastic article comprising a biodegradable copolymer, wherein the biodegradable copolymer comprises at least two randomly repeating monomer units (RRMU) wherein the first RRMU has the structure ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is H, or C.sub.1 or C.sub.2 alkyl, and n is 1 or 2; the second RRMU has the structure ##STR2## wherein R.sup.2 is a C.sub.4 -C.sub.19 alkyl or alkenyl; and wherein at least 50% of the RRMUs have the structure of the first RRMU. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet comprising a film comprising a PHA of the present invention and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.

Abstract: A siloxane modified copolymer with the following general formula: ##STR1## wherein: x=1 to 1000; m=2 to 100; n=0 to 1000; z=0 to 2; y=1 to 3; (z+y)=3; and p=1 to 200; wherein R and R.sub.1 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbons, phenyl, benzyl or alkylphenyl having from 6 to 12 carbons; R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl, phenyl, benzyl or alkylphenyl having from 6 to 12 carbons; R.sub.3 is methyl, ethyl or propyl; and Z is O, S, NH or NR' wherein R' is phenyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl or C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkylphenyl. A process for obtaining siloxane modified copolymer comprising:reactively extruding organosiloxanes having reactive terminal groups with polyolefins having reactive groups, the molar ratio of the functional groups being from about 1:1 to about 1:100,000 in a substantially solvent-free environment at a temperature from about 150.degree. C. to about 350.degree. C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber comprising, chemically bonded together, (a) a conventional cellulosic fiber, such as a Kraft fiber or a chemithermomechanical pulp fiber; (b) poly(acrylate-co-itaconate) copolymer, such as the acid form of a poly(acrylate-co-itaconate) copolymer comprising 90-95 mole % acrylate and 5-10 mole % itaconate having weight average molecular weight of about 600,000-900,000; and (c) a polyol, such as polyethylene glycol; also disclosed are methods for making such fibers, especially evaporatively depositing an intimate mixture of the copolymer and polyol on the fiber followed by thermally crosslinking at specific temperatures for limited periods; absorbent paper which can be made by wet-laying the fiber, especially in admixture with conventional fiber; and derivative paper structures, such as multi-ply disposable absorbent towels.

Abstract: The present invention provides deodorant compositions for controlling malodor from perspiration comprising a safe an effective amount of a 1,3-diketone compound having the general formula: ##STR1## wherein each W is independently selected from the group consisting of O, S and (CH.sub.2).sub.n, wherein n=1-3; and each X is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl having from about 1 to about 5 carbon atoms, or two X moieties are covalently bonded to form a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, heteroalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl ring having from about 3 to about 12 atoms including from 0 to about 3 heteroatoms in the ring; and a topical carrier; whereby the composition is suitable for topical application to the skin or to articles of clothing worn in the vicinity of the skin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the compound cyproterone thiopivalate (CTP) and compositions comprising CTP. The present invention further relates to methods of treating acne and/or sebaceous gland activity comprising topical application of CTP. The present invention additionally relates to methods of regulating hair growth comprising application of compositions comprising CTP.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flavored instant coffee product comprising a creamer base, a sweetener base, and a flavor base, wherein the creamer base is agglomerated to the sweetener base, and the flavor base is coated on the agglomerated creamer and sweetener bases, and wherein the flavor base comprises instant coffee and flavorings. The present invention further relates to a process for making such a flavored instant coffee product.

Abstract: A tumbling bed of edible cores is formed which has a longitudinal axis extending from an entrance end to an exit end of the tumbling bed. Individual edible cores travel through the tumbling bed from the entrance end to the exit end by rotating in a generally helical path along the longitudinal axis of the bed. The edible cores are coated within the bed by repeatedly tumbling through both a wet zone(s) and a dry zone(s) formed within the bed. These wet and dry zones are formed, respectively, by spraying the surface of the tumbling bed with a hydrating liquid and by dusting the surface of the tumbling bed with a farinaceous powder. Both the wet and dry zones thus formed are generally rectangular, but not overlapping, zones with the major dimensions of these rectangular zones being substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tumbling bed.

Abstract: Individual coated nuts or seeds are produced by mixing nuts or seeds at 180.degree. F. to 270.degree. F. with coating syrup (including sugar and sweetener syrup) at 270.degree. F. to 330.degree. F., in a rotating pan coater or other shear mixing coater until the coating syrup is distributed over the nuts or seeds, then cooling until the coating syrup begins to set, then adding separating composition, and when individual coated nuts are produced, optionally coating with particulate ingredients and/or a protective alpha-tending emulsifier coating, then transferring from the coater and cooling, then optionally coating with chocolate.

Abstract: Homogeneous polymer blends are prepared from otherwise thermodynamically immiscible polymers, especially including block copolymers. Thus, polymers such as polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) block copolymer or polystyrene/poly(1,2-butadiene) block copolymer are dissolved under pressure in supercritical fluid solvents such as chlorodifluoromethane and n-butane, respectively, and expanded through a fine nozzle. As the SCF solvent evaporates, the polymer deposits as a substantially homogeneous material.

Abstract: Methods of treatment for osteoporosis in a human or other animal subject, comprising administering to said subject a safe and effective amount of an active selected from the group consisting of opioids, opioid-degrading enzyme inhibitors, enkephalin secretagogues, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for regulating wrinkles and/or atrophy in mammalian skin comprising treating the skin with a safe and effective amount of N-acetyl-L-cysteine and/or a derivative thereof.