Abstract: A composition of matter, denominated herein as 12a-r, having the structural formula set forth below: wherein R is selected from the group consisting of: a) R=NHPh; b) R=NHCH2Ph; c) R=NH(CH2)2Ph; d) R=NH(CH2)2‘-4-F-Ph; e) R=NH(CH2)2-4-Cl-Ph; f) R=NH(CH2)2-3-Cl-Ph; g) R=NH(CH2)2-2-Cl-Ph; h) R=NH(CH2)2-4-Br-Ph; i) R=NH(CH2)2-4-NO2-Ph; j) R=NH(CH2)2-3,4-(CH3O)2Ph; k) R=NH(CH2)2-2-pyridine; l) R=NH(CH2)3Ph; m) R=L-Phe-OCH3; n) R=L-Met-OCH3; o) R=L-Pro-OCH3; p) R=NH-2-thiazolyl; q) R=NH-2-benzothiazolyl; r) R=NH-3-quinolyl; and methods of making these compounds 12a-r.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unique retractable device holding assembly comprising a spring loaded retractor assembly containing an extendible thread having a relatively flexible polymer ring permanently connect at the free end thereof by an interlocking attachment assembly thereof for securing said ring in circumscription about the body of a utilitarian device and including a clip means for removable attachment to the owners belt, pocket, collar, cigarette pack, key ring, purse or any like location to provide an attractive, handy, secure, and relatively inexpensive device repository where such a repository is desired.

Abstract: Antifungals based on dolasatin 10 and four structural modifications thereof (herein “peptides”) and methods of treating a host afflicted with a fungi-induced infection are herein described. In broth macrodilution assays, these peptides were fungicidal for ATCC stains and clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans. Specificity for C. neoformans was also demonstrated in the solid-phase disk diffusion assay, and fungicidal activity confirmed in killing kinetics experiments. Broth macrodilution minimum inhibitory and minimum fungicidal concentrations for the most potent modification ranged from 0.0975-1.56 &mgr;g/ml and 0.0975-6.24 &mgr;g/ml respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentrations were nearly identical in the presence of human serum, but increased with lowered pH. Suitable dosage forms for use of the novel antifungals are also described.

Abstract: The blue marine sponge Cribrochalina sp., collected in the Republic of Maldives was found to contain new cell growth inhibitors denominated cribrostatin 3, cribrostatin 4 and cribrostatin 5 which were found to be active against the NCI human melanoma panel and the P388 marine lymphocytic cell lines employed by the U.S. National Cancer Institute. Structural determination of all three substances were accomplished utilizing high yield NMR (400 MHz) and mass spectral studies. Cribrostatins 3-5 were also found to possess significant antibacterial and antifungal activity.

Abstract: A simple, compact and lightweight tool for the disassembly of the universal joints used in automobiles, trucks, recreational vehicles, buses, boats, farm machinery, and other machinery. The tool directs pressure specifically to the point where it is needed to remove a bearing cup of the universal joint and will not bend or otherwise damage the universal joint or driveline. The tool can be easily stored in a mechanic's toolbox.

Abstract: Hydroxypolycarbonates (HPC) offer to the biomedical area hydroxyl functional polymers not now readily available to bind drugs, proteins, or carbohydrate polymers chemically or via hydrogen bonding to facilitate drug delivery and utility with subsequent biodegradability to acceptable byproducts. The cyclic carbonate (CC) from the monoketal diol of pentaerythritol polymerized in CHCl3 at 60° C. with Et2Zn catalyst in CHCl3 at 60° C. in 4 hours to a quantitative yield of high molecular weight, crystalline polymer (PCC), melt peak 199° C. and Tg of 99° C. PCC is readily hydrolyzed with 80% acetic acid to the water-insoluble but water-swollen HPC, poly[5,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-dioxan-2-one], with Mw=3.1×104. HPC degrades completely in vitro in <16 hours in PBS-1X buffer (Ph 7.4, 37° C.) to pentaerythritol and presumably CO2. This rapid degradation rate is decreased with random copolymers of HPC with CC, &egr;-caprolactone, or L-lactide.

Abstract: A human cancer cell line bioassay-directed investigation of the Western Pacific marine sponge agelas sp. led to isolation of a trace (7.42×10−6% yield) cancer cell growth inhibitor (lung NCI-H460 GI50 0.77 &mgr;g/ml to ovary OVCAR-3 GI50 2.8 &mgr;g/ml) designated agelagalastatin. Agelagalastatin is the first example of a natural product containing a digalactofuranosyl unit.

Abstract: Cytostatic linear and cyclo-depsipeptides, “Dolastatin 16”, “Dolastatin 18”, and “Dolastatin 17”, are disclosed which are obtained from Indian Ocean shelless mollusk Dolabella auricularia. Methods of using the substances to inhibit malignant cell growth associated with neoplastic diseases in animals and humans are also disclosed, as well as pharmaceutical preparations containing Dolastatin 16, Dolastatin 17, and Dolastatin 18.

Abstract: A coin-holder accessory for use at casinos and like establishments comprising an adjustable belt adapted to circumscribe the user's waist and be lockable in place thereabout and having a strip portion secured thereto. The strip portion has a obverse surface bearing a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive having a detachable protective sheet disposed thereacross and which, when removed, exposes the adhesive layer and enables the strip to be bonded to a coin-cup holder adjacent the upper lip thereof. The cup thus mounted to the belt and the belt customized to the user's waist and buckled enables the wearer to support many coins in the cup which is maintained in a vertical position adjacent wearer's abdomen to prevent spillege while enabling the wearer to vigilantly protect the contents of the cup.

Abstract: The present invention relates a hair treatment preparation which, in conjunction with after-applied heat, such as normal blow-drying, adds strength to, and repairs damage to, bleached and permed hair and enhances moisture retention. The treatment preparation consists of an aqueous blend of a hydrolyzed wheat protein and wheat oligosaccharides, wheat amino acids, and panthenol, as its essential active ingredients, with or without selected additives such as panthenyl ethyl ether, fragrance, preservatives, and the like. The invention also discloses a method of strengthening and repairing damaged hair comprising applying the hair treatment hair preparation of the present invention onto damaged hair, and thereafter drying the treated hair. Certain aspects of hair strength, especially for previously permed hair, appear to be increased when the thus treated hair is blow-dried.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated reciprocating pump and pneumatic control means therefor having in separate chambers a geared air flow control mechanism and a piston/piston rod sub-assembly. The geared air flow control mechanism has two toothed gear members, the first being quasi-circular with upper and lower fins and the second being semi-circular and having two sealing members and fins attached thereto. The gear members are mounted in tooth meshing relationship within a gear chamber disposed above the piston chamber. Two sealable passages connect the gear chamber to the piston chamber, one passage communicating directly with that portion of the piston chamber above the piston and the other communicating by means of an external tube system with that portion of the piston chamber beneath the piston. The gear having the two sealing members attached thereto is disposed so that each sealing member will alternately properly seal a corresponding sealable passage when the gear is sufficiently rotated thereto.

Abstract: An automated hands-free personalized cleansing device for oral hygiene is described in which a robotic cleansing head is mounted for reciprocatable movement on a mounting base and is powered and controlled by a computer module to provide multiple movements of the brush portion thereof in and out, up and down and all about the user's oral cavity to provide ultimate cleansing of the teeth and gums and any openings found therein. In addition, the cleansing head is provided with a device to deliver fluid, with or without dentifrice, to preprogrammed locations within the oral cavity to treat and rinse the teeth and gums and a device to withdraw spent fluids from the oral cavity for delivery to suitable waste drain. Especially unique is the bite block which extends from the mounting base including a first portion for engagement between the rear-most teeth (upper and lower) of the user, and a second portion for engagement between the user's front teeth when bit upon.

Abstract: A smart cross electronic traffic sign for the control of vehicle and pedestrian traffic with programming and control by infrared remote control. The device is lightweight and easily portable. Messages can be displayed in the color of the normal traffic sign for the condition displayed. An audible message duplicates the message displayed.

Abstract: A comprehensive oral hygiene device preferably having a multi-headed oral care brush disposed at one end of an elongated handle and a manufacturing process therefor. The oral care brush of the present invention has at least one head and preferably two heads which are disposed in angular, generally opposing coactive relationship to each other. Each of the opposing heads is integrally formed on an independently manufactured flexible arm and each arm is subsequently attached to the elongated handle. The attachment of the arms to the handle involves a secondary process called overmolding. Overmolding in this case involves the placement of the arms in a secondary mold in operative position against the end of the handle. Then, a soft, preferably rubber-like material is injected into the secondary mold and surrounds elongated portions of the arms and the handle. When cured and removed from the secondary mold, the rubber-like material secures the arms in operative position against the handle.

Abstract: A hair coloring composition, and a method for using the composition in which a natural plant-derived chemical of the formula ##STR1## is employed as a coupler-modifier in a composition containing a primary intermediate and a customary coupler. The novel coupler-modifiers produce a composition which is more physiologically suitable for use in hair colorings than the prior art compositions and allows for the preparation of compositions which produce highly stable colorings over a broad range shades and tones.

Abstract: A top platform with interchangeable guide lanes for use on vibratory feed devices is described. The top platform comprises a rectangular deck member on which is attached a brace means including at least one elevator brace, and at least one holddown brace for holding one or more conventional anti-static delivery tubes in a ski-slope configuration. The top deck also comprises a plurality of mounting holes arranged in an orderly rank and file configuration to secure and facilitate adjustment of the guide lanes.