Abstract: A novel method of determining the onset of the fertile period of a human female is disclosed comprising the step of monitoring the axillary secretions of said female during the course of her menstrual cycle to determine variations in the concentration of androstenol or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. A first significant increase in the concentration of either of those compounds following the cessation of menses is indicative of the onset of the fertile period. In each case, a follicular phase peak occurs which exceeds by at least twice the concentration of those compounds present at any other time during the menstrual cycle. As a result, the monitoring of these compounds may act as reliable indicators predicting the occurrence of ovulation in five to seven days, and/or indicating contraceptive measures can still be taken to avoid pregnancy or sexual intercourse can promote fertility.

Abstract: A novel fructose analog is disclosed which has been found to modify the food intake of mammals. If administered during the diurnal fasting period, the mammals increase their food intakes. If administered during the diurnal feeding period, food intake is decreased. The compound is 2,5-anhydro-1,6-dihalo-1,6-dideoxy-D-mannitol, preferably 2,5-anhydro-1,6-dichloro-dideoxy-D-mannitol ("Charmitol").

Abstract: A novel rodent edible is disclosed. The edible contains a conventional edible component, and an attractant naturally present in the breath of said rodents in an amount effective to increase the preference for said edible component to said rodents. Carbon disulfide and carbonyl sulfide are the preferred attractants. Preference for the edible component may be achieved by mixing the attractant with the food, or merely by associating the aroma of the attractant with the edible component to stimulate a preference for that component.

Abstract: A novel method for altering the food intake of a mammal is disclosed wherein 2,5-anhydro-D-mannitol (2,5-AM) is administered to that mammal in an amount sufficient to alter its food intake. Preferably, normal feeding and fasting periods, and most preferably diurnal feeding and fasting periods, are identified. The mammal receives an intragastric, or intraperitoneal, or intravenous administration within two hours in advance of the onset of the feeding period to decrease food intake, or within two hours of the onset of the fasting period to increase intake. The subject mannitol is preferably administered in amounts of 50-800 mg/kg, although neither the lower limit of sufficiently nor the upper limit of activity have yet to be identified.

Abstract: A novel method of detecting and diagnosing lung cancers by monitoring and analyzing expired lung air for the presence of selected aromatic amines, particularly aniline and ortho-toluidine, is provided.

Abstract: Methods for stimulating or enhancing feeding of herbivorous fish are disclosed comprising presenting the fish with an edible composition comprising a stimulatory amount of at least one of aspartic acid, glutamic acid or citric acid. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, preference spectra of herbivorous fish are determined and used to tailor feeding materials for improved, stimulated or enhanced feeding.

Abstract: Method for determining the onset of the fertile period of a human female comprising the step of monitoring the axillary secretions of said female during the course of her menstrual cycle to determine variations in the concentration of androstenol or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. A first significant increase in the concentration of either of those compounds following the cessation of menses is indicative of the onset of the fertile period. In each case, a follicular phase peak occurs which exceeds by at least twice the concentration of those compounds present at any other time during the menstrual cycle. As a result, the monitoring of these compounds may act as reliable indicators predicting the occurrence of ovulation in five to seven days, and/or indicating the onset of the fertile period at a time when appropriate contraceptive measures can still be taken to avoid pregnancy or sexual intercourse can promote fertility.

Abstract: Novel odor-flavor materials and methods for producing the same are disclosed comprising a mixture of various gamma-lactones. In the preferred embodiment, a member of the genus Pityrosporum is cultured on a culture medium and is stimulated to produce a gamma-lactone containing flavor-fragrance mixture through its incubation with a lipid rich precursor. The preferred species for use in producing these gamma-lactone containing materials are P. canis, P. pachydermatis, P. orbiculare and P. ovale. The preferred lipid-rich materials include triolein, sebum, lecithin, oleic acid, and SAB with human sebum, and Tween-80. The resulting gamma-lactone rich products comprise the following lactones: gamma-hexa, gamma-hepta, gamma-octa, gamma-nona, gamma-deca, gamma-undeca, and in the case of P. canis, gamma-dodecalactone. The resultant flavor-fragrance product is all natural, exhibiting extremely pleasing taste and/or flavor characteristics.

Abstract: A novel method for determining when cows are in estrus is disclosed comprising the step of monitoring the vaginal secretions of a cow to determine an increase in the amount of an indicator compound in said secretions. A significant increase in the amount of the indicator compound, concentrations above about 0.1 micrograms per gram of collected secretion, is indicative of estrus. The preferred indicator alcohols have ethyl ester indices of 8.1 to 8.9. In particular these alcohols are methyl-1-heptanols, such as 6-methyl-1-heptanol, or are methyl hydroxy heptenes, such as 2-methyl-7 hyroxy-.DELTA.-3-4 heptene. Alternatively, a cow may be determined to be in estrus simply to ascertaining that the concentration of methyl-1-heptanol is at least 0.1 microgram per gram of collected vaginal secretion.

Abstract: Method for precisely ascertaining the time of ovulation by monitoring the concentration of alcohols in the range of C.sub.10 -C.sub.16, particularly dodecanol. A spike in the concentration of such compound(s) is indicative of time of ovulation.

Abstract: A novel method of detecting and diagnosing Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections by monitoring sample headspace concentrations of selected methyl ketones, particularly 2-nonanone and 2-undecanone. In an alternate embodiment, such diagnosis may be made by monitoring the headspace concentration of methyl mercaptan to diagnose the extent of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Expeditious methods for increasing such concentrations are also disclosed which include additions of selected nutrients to incubated sample mixtures.

Abstract: A novel method of diagnosing periodontal disease is disclosed wherein telltale pyridine and alkyl-pyridine compounds which are detected in the oral cavity are indicative of periodontal disease. An alternate embodiment method is disclosed wherein increased concentrations of certain other compounds are detected to confirm the presence of periodontal disease.