Abstract: A disposable test strip device for detecting and measuring ethanol in aqueous solutions is disclosed. The test strip includes an inert support pad that contains a stabilized dry form of the enzyme alcohol oxidase, a material having peroxidative activity and an oxygen acceptor that reacts with hydrogen peroxide to give a compound of changed color. The use of this strip to determine ethanol levels colorimetrically is also disclosed. The stabilizer can comprise a solid aliphatic polyhydroxy compound of from 5-8 carbons and 5-7 hydroxyl groups.

Abstract: A bioelastomer containing repeating units comprising elastomeric tetrapeptide or pentapeptide units or a mixture thereof, wherein said repeating units comprise amino acid residues selected from the group consisting of hydrophobic amino acid residues and glycine residues, wherein said repeating units exist in a .beta.-turn which comprises a polypentapeptide unit of the formula:--.alpha.P.rho..OMEGA.G--.sub.nwherein P is a peptide-forming residue of L-proline; G is a peptide-forming residue of glycine; .alpha. is a peptide-forming residue of L-valine or an ionizable peptide-forming residue selected from the group consisting of residues of L-Glu, L-Asp, L-His, L-Lys and L-Tyr; .rho. is a peptide-forming residue of glycine or a peptide-forming residue of D-Glu, D-Asp, D-His, D-Lys and D-Tyr; and .OMEGA.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing between NK cells and T lymphocytes is provided, which comprises contacting a sample containing lymphocytes with a first reagent comprising anti-CD3 and a first detectable label and a second reagent comprising a mixture of anti-CD16 and anti-GP160 (Leu-19) both labeled with a second detectable label, and identifying cells that react with the reagents, whereby cells that react with the first reagent are identified as T lymphocytes, and cells that react only with the second reagent are identified as NK cells. Cells that react with both reagents are identified as a unique subset of T lymphocytes some of which may mediate MHC unrestricted cytolysis.

Abstract: A stabilized phosphatase substrate composition is provided comprising an indoxl phosphate, a tetrazolium salt, and a water-soluble ferricyanide/ferrocyanide salt. When present as a solution, the composition also contains a buffer that produces a pH in a range of from about 8 to about 11.

Abstract: A method of detecting Toxoplasma infection and distinguishing acute infection from chronic infection is provided, comprising the steps of combining a sample suspected of containing antibodies to Toxoplasma antigens with a acute-phase-specific antigen reactive with an antibody specific for an acetone-treated Toxoplasma antigen under conditions favorable for formation of antigen-antibody complex, and detecting formation of the complex.

Abstract: A method is provided of reducing fruit russetting by treating the surface of a fruit to reduce the amount of auxins present on the surface. In a preferred embodiment, the population of auxin-producing bacteria is reduced by providing a competing auxin-deficient bacterial population.

Abstract: Peridinin-chlorophyll-protein complexes are provided for use as fluorescent labels and are particularly useful in diagnostic assays employing as a reagent a fluorescent compound conjugated to a member of a specific binding pair, wherein the pair consists of a biochemical ligand and a receptor and the diagnostic assay comprises a step in which the conjugate binds to its complementary binding-pair member.

Abstract: An apparatus for diluting a sample with a diluent, comprising a fixed volume measuring chamber, a fixed volume receiving chamber and fluid receiving relationship to the measuring chamber, a gas vent in the receiving chamber, a stop flow junction between the measuring chamber and the receiving chamber, a sample application site in fluid donating relationship to the measuring chamber, wherein the vertical height difference between the sample application site and the stop flow junction is insufficient to provide a hydrostatic pressure capable of overcoming backpressure at the stop flow junction when sample is applied to the sample application site, and the diluent application site and fluid donating relationship to the measuring chamber. Sample and diluent are added sequentially to the apparatus of the invention without requiring any intervening operations. Various means are provided for restarting flow, which causes diluent to wash the sample into the receiving chamber, where the two can be mixed.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies are provided capable of distinguishing DNA-RNA hybrid complexes from single stranded DNA and RNA and double stranded DNA and RNA. The antibodies find particular use in determining the presence of a specific nucleic acid sequence on a solid surface. Single stranded polynucleotide is fixed to a solid (gel) surface and then hybridized with the complementary probe. The hybrid complex specific monoclonal antibody is then added to bind to any hybrid complexes which have formed. By appropriate label, the hybrid complex may be visualized in a variety of ways.

Abstract: Methods and compostions produced thereby are provided concerning the preparation and use of high specific surface area carbides and nitrides. The carbides and nitrides can be obtained by thermal reduction of oxides in the presence of a source of carbon and nitrogen respectively, with relatively slow progressive temperature increases prior to completion of the reaction, followed by quenching. Novel metastable carbides can be obtained by carburization of nitrides having high surface area, which nitrides can be prepared by the above-described process.

Abstract: An ethylene biosynthesis inhibitor is provided comprising 2-cycloalkyl-1-aminocyclopropanecarboxylic acids or a derivative thereof. By applying the subject compound in an ethylene-production-inhibiting amount, ripening and senescence can be slowed. The compound finds use in conjunction with the inhibition of ripening and improved storage of fruits, vegetables and cut flowers.

Abstract: A membrane structure is disclosed having controlled capillarity useful in detecting cells in a solution by promoting effective contacting between cells and the membrane surface bearing affinity for selected cell sites. Also disclosed is a mtehod of using such membrane structures to detect particles in solution. One embodiment of the invention is an improved blood-typing device and method. The device may be attached to a blood bag, clamp, stick or the like, to provide a permanent visual record of blood type.

Abstract: A process of preparing a mushroom growth medium from a cellulosic material is provided in which the cellulosic material used in the solid-state fermentation process is chemically ammoniated. The chemical ammoniation step reduces composting time, particularly preconditioning time, while providing a compost and a mushroom bed material comparable to that achieved by commercial composting processes, which do not use ammoniated straw.

Abstract: Immunoassay methods and compositions are disclosed for the detection of analytes in fluid samples. The disclosure provides conjugates of analytes or reactants with polymerizable organic monomers. Specific binding reactions between reactants are detected by means of resporter/reactant conjugates. Free and specifically-bound reporter/reactant conjugates are separated by a polymerization reaction which renders the polymerized monomers insolule.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising L-carnitine in a suitable vehicle for topical application in an effective amount. The present compositions are useful in improving or healing skin conditions including wrinkling, dry or peeling skin, and burns (particularly sunburn), and in healing and prevention of scar formation, particlarly that caused by infection by a pathogen. Treatment methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence and/or amount (concentration) of an analyte in a sample is provided by forming a reaction medium containing (1) a sample; (2) a plurality of particles having a binding pair member bound to their surfaces; and (3) a monovalent complementary partner to the binding pair member to which is bound an analyte mimic or analyte binding partner; and detecting the presence or amount of agglutination of the particles in the reaction medium. In some cases a polyvalent receptor capable of binding to the analyte (and to the analyte mimic, if present) is also present in the reaction medium.

Abstract: Methods of preparing pickled foods are provided which comprise processing raw or cooked produce in an aqueous pickling solution of acetic and/or lactic acid and ethanol having an osmolarity equivalent to that normally used in brine pickling processes.

Abstract: A method for the stereoselective snythesis of a cis-syn, furan-side mono-adducted linear furocoumarin:nucleoside adduct, which comprises reacting a linear furocoumarin with a nucleophilic acid to form a 3,4-dihydro-4-substituted linear furocoumarin intermediate, and contacting the intermediate with a nucleoside under photoactivating conditions. The reaction produces a cis-syn, furan-side, mono-adducted 3,4-dihydro-4-substituted linear furocoumarin:nucleoside adduct which can then be deblocked to give the final product under mild conditions.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a metal ion in an aqueous environment, which comprises contacting a micelle-forming material, a hydrophobic or amphiphilic dye, and a hydrophobic ionophore capable of selectively binding the ion with a sample of the aqueous environment to form a mixture and measuring a change in absorbance of light by the dye. Compositions method are also disclosed.