Abstract: The subject invention provides totipotent, chlorophyllous, cell cultures of maize. In addition, the methods of producing such cultures are applicable to other related species, including cereals such as rice, oats, barley, and heat. The subject cultures are valuable for herbicide studies, studies for enhancing photosynthesis, and genetic manipulation, such as plastid transformation. The methods of the subject invention are capable of providing high percentages of totipotent cells. These cells are capable of sustained cell division and are competent for regeneration over long periods; they provide high-quality target tissue for nuclear and organelle transformation. The invention also describes methods for the introduction of heterologous DNA into the chloroplast genome. The present invention also provides methods, vectors, and gene constructs for enhancing expression of a recombinant nucleic acid sequence in transgenic plants and plant tissues.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, vectors and gene constructs for enhancing expression of a recombinant nucleic acid sequence in transgenic plants and plant tissues. According to the present invention, nucleic acid sequences are obtained and/or derived from the 5? and 3? untranslated regions of genes encoding osmotin proteins and engineered to flank respective portions of a selected coding region of a vector. The vector construct may be introduced into plants and/or plant tissues through conventional procedures, resulting in enhanced expression of the selected coding region. In a preferred embodiment, the selected coding region is a chimeric gene or gene fragment expressing one or more proteins known to impart a level of insecticidal activity to a transgenic plant and/or plant tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, vectors and gene constructs for enhancing expression of a recombinant nucleic acid sequence in transgenic plants and plant tissues. According to the present invention, nucleic acid sequences are obtained and/or derived from the 5? and 3? untranslated regions of genes encoding osmotin proteins and engineered to flank respective portions of a selected coding region of a vector. The vector construct may be introduced into plants and/or plant tissues through conventional procedures, resulting in enhanced expression of the selected coding region. In a preferred embodiment, the selected coding region is a chimeric gene or gene fragment expressing one or more proteins known to impart a level of insecticidal activity to a transgenic plant and/or plant tissue.

Abstract: A tile and frame flooring system consisting of uniform frame elements joined together so as to create a support frame upon which a tile rests. The frame elements combine to form a lattice of support frames covering the surface to be tiled. The tiles are nestled into the frames to complete the flooring. The wood frame and tiles merge in appearance to form an aesthetically pleasing and continuous floor surface that is easy for the user to install.

Abstract: A method of extracting corrosion inhibiting constituents from tobacco comprises the steps of soaking tobacco in an extraction solution under certain extraction conditions, followed by filtration to remove tobacco residue from the resultant aqueous tobacco solution. This tobacco solution is used as a corrosion inhibitor to minimize the amount of corrosion occurring at galvanic corrosion cells that are established at areas of union of metals having different electrochemical potentials.

Abstract: An aerobic treatment system for wastewater is disclosed herein. The aerobic treatment system is comprised of a basin, which receives wastewater through an inlet pipe, the inlet pipe depositing the untreated wastewater to the lower portion of the basin. The wastewater must then flow from the lower portion of the interior of the basin through a fibrous filter and through an outlet filter to the outlet section of the aerobic treatment system. While resident within the lower portion of the basin, the wastewater is treated through aeration by an insertion of air through an air inlet pipe and diffusing the air within the untreated wastewater below the fibrous filter. The entire aerobic treatment system of the present invention is designed such that the filtering mechanisms may be readily removed or cleaned on a routine basis by the user.

Abstract: A flash chamber having a self-closing valve for use with a catheter is described. The flash chamber, which is connected to the catheter, precludes blood leakage as a needle is removed from the catheter and an IV unit is coupled to the catheter. The flash chamber permits the practitioner to visually verify that a blood vessel has been punctured and includes a self-sealing valve that prevents blood from flowing out of the flash chamber as the needle is removed and the IV unit is attached.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing reconstituted tobacco with reduced nitrogenous content by submitting cured tobacco material, including whole leaf, stems, scraps, fines and lamina, as well as burley leaf and stem, to an extraction with a solution containing sodium acetate, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or mixtures thereof. The extraction process, in addition to denitrifying the tobacco material, also produces reconstituted tobacco paper with characteristics similar to flue cured tobacco leaf.

Abstract: A sterilized supply kit that provides the medical practitioner with the accessories necessary for marking an injection or withdrawing blood from a patient, or both. The kit includes one or more sterilizing agents, needles, syringes, fluid collection tubes, and absorbent pads. The absorbent pads are designed to cover the sight of skin puncture and create a bodily fluid barrier that makes the use of gloves to protect the practitioner unnecessary. The kit may additionally contain a tourniquet, a sterile sheet and/or medication to be administered. All the components of the kit are contained within a sterile sealable packet.

Abstract: A flow distribution box for a wastewater treatment system includes an inlet into a back wall and outlets in the opposed outer side walls and front wall, the distribution box including a plurality of flow dividers therein to compartmentalize effluent within the flow distribution box. A flow director is disposed in the inlet into the flow distribution box for directing the flow into selected compartments within the distribution box. Each of the outlets in the box is in flow communication with a conduit leading into a selected area of a drain field.

Abstract: A closure is described wherein a flip top is provided with a child-resistant opening mechanism. The flip top closure is attached to a neck finish, fitment or other container spout and includes a flip top that is hingedly attached to a depending sidewall. The child-resistant mechanism includes a retention tab that engages a retention bead when the flip top is closed, but allows the top to be opened by the alignment of the retention tab with a retention lug, located on the neck finish or fitment, over which the retention tab may slide when upward force is applied to a thumb tab attached to the top. The interaction of the retention tab and the retention lug when the flip top is closed prevents the closure from being automatically aligned for opening, after the closure is closed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for expanding foodstuffs and luxury foodstuffs/tobacco materials capable of being expanded, in particular moist tobacco materials, wherein said materials in a carrier flow comprising steam pass through an expansion zone, comprising a Laval nozzle, in which the speed of sound is attained in the narrowest cross section.