Abstract: Application of vibration and/or compression to kiln-dried wood increases the retention and penetration of preservatives in the wood.

Abstract: A novel diazodisulfone compound capable of generating acid having high sensitivity to far ultraviolet rays typified by a KrF excimer laser and the like and capable of providing a resist with superior resolution and patterns when used as a photoacid generator for a chemically amplified resist, and a radiation-sensitive resin composition comprising the diazodisulfone compound. The diazodisulfone compound is represented by the following formulas (1) and (2). ##STR1## The radiation-sensitive resin composition comprises the diazodisulfone compound and resin represented by 4-hydroxystyrene/4-(1'-ethoxyethoxy)styrene copolymer.

Abstract: Maize tissue may be regenerated from nodal extracts prepared from germinated mature seeds and germinated embryos. Nodal section explants are secured from seedlings in 3-5 days. The explants are grown on an induction medium until adventitious shoot formation is observed. The shoots are separated and elongated on an MS-based medium, and then rooted. Fast genotype-independent regeneration is obtained, in 12-14 weeks. These explants, as well as zygotic embryos, may be transformed with exogenous DNA using a biolistic approach, where DNA precipitated onto tungsten microprojectiles is accelerated as 650 psi towards the explants at a distance of at least 7.5 microns. Improved frequency of transformation is obtained using microprojectiles which prior to DNA precipitation were frozen in glycerol, and suspending from a preparation of 2.5 M CaCl.sub.2. The combination of transformation process and regeneration can be used, independent of genotype, to provide new commercial crop organisms.

Abstract: A lift-off cover assembly for barges includes adjacently positioned curved cover sections and end cover sections located at opposite ends of the adjacently positioned curved cover sections. The cover assembly includes a central walkway which extends between openings on the cover assembly and climbing stairs which are positioned so as to facilitate the travel of a cargo loading operated toward the openings. Additionally, each of openings can include cover members such as lids or doors which have handles or latches that are accessible from the central walkway. The cover assembly also includes weather seals that allow the placement of covers in different relative locations for use with barges having different dimensions.

Abstract: Spiroadamantyl dioxetanes bearing an alkoxy substituent, and an aromatic substituent of phenyl or naphthyl on the dioxetane ring can be activated to chemiluminesce if the aromatic substituent bears a moiety designated OX, wherein the X is cleaved by an enzyme with which the dioxetane is permitted to come in contact with. The T.sub.1/2 kinetics of the chemiluminescent reaction, as well as the signal intensity, or quantum yield of the chemiluminescent reaction, can be altered by selection of an electron-withdrawing or an electron-donating group Z, at positions on the aromatic substituent other than those adjacent the point of attachment to the dioxetane. Signal strength can further be enhanced by recognized chemiluminescent enhancers.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing angiogenesis in a mammal using hepatocyte growth factor ("HGF") are provided. In the methods, HGF can be administered to mammals suffering from, for instance, vascular insufficiency or arterial occlusive disease. Articles of manufacture and kits containing HGF are also provided.

Abstract: A foaming effervescent bath composition is comprised of an effervescent base together with an anhydrous surfactant. The effervescent base may be sodium carbonate and an organic acid, or similar variations. The base is selected so as to provide a composition which has a high dissolution rate, of at least 0.4 g/sec. The product is designed so as to have a low density, not greater than about 1.0 g/cc. Surfactants that exhibit a high viscosity in the presence of low concentrations of salt give particularly good foaming performance. Other agents, such as a colorant, fragrance, humectant, or emollient, may be added.