Abstract: The state of the extracellular matrix of discrete tissue subsegments can be determined via an approach that combines microdissection, reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction. Using this approach, a positive correlation between a fibrotic condition and alterations in messenger RNA levels of matrix components provides the basis for (i) the diagnosis of a fibrotic disease and (ii) the monitoring of the efficacy of a therapeutic regimen.

Abstract: Murine hybridomas are disclosed which were constructed by fusing spleen cells from BALB/c mice immunized with soluble crystal protein from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (B.t.i.) to the murine myeloma cell line SP2/0-AG14. An ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) method for detection of antibodies specific for crystal protein of B.t.i. was modified to produce 100- to 1,000-fold increased sensitivity and was used to identify hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibody specific for the B.t.i. crystal protein. Analysis of the hybridoma culture supernatant fluid indicated production of monoclonal IgG3 antibodies, specific for the 68,000 dalton protein presumed to be the insecticidal delta-endotoxin of B.t.i.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new roller drafter for drafting and aligning fibers in a strand or strip of card web e.g. for producing filament-wrapped yarn. The improvements include, increasing (in the direction of strip or strand movement) the distances between nips of adjacent pairs of rolls and optionally increasing in said direction of strip or strand movement the outer diameters of each pair of rolls. Also disclosed are, a process utilizing said roller drafter (optionally with filament wrapping), and a drafted strand or strip and a wrapped yarn which are products of the present invention.

Abstract: Differential ginning is achieved by modifications to conventional saw-type ginning including, providing a saw gang including at least two saw sections each including at least one saw blade, conveying of material to be ginned (e.g. seed cotton) successively to each section, ginning of the material in each section so as to separate a portion of lint from the material, and separate removal of lint from each section. Thereby producing portions of lint, wherein the fiber qualities vary from portion to portion e.g. separating longer fibers from shorter fibers.

Abstract: An improved method for the decarbalkoxylation of alkylated .beta.-keto esters to obtain high yields of ketones. In accordane with the method, decarbalkoxylation of alkylated .beta.-keto esters is accomplished by heating the esters in the presence of dilute aqueous alkali and an effective amount of a phase-transfer agent. The method produces commercially practical yields of ketone in a manner which is facile, economical and environmentally safe. Novel methylene-linked pyrethroid ketones produced from the improved method exhibit insecticidal activity against various agricultural pests.

Abstract: Treatment of alpha-lactose with certain alcohols (C.sub.1 -C.sub.5) at temperature of from about 120.degree. C. to about 160.degree. C. and pressures of from about 500 to 200 psi for sufficient time will result in complete transformation of all forms of alpha-lactose to beta-lactose. This beta-lactose has a high solubility in water where alpha-lactose has low solubility.