Abstract: A compact X-ray fluorescence spectrometer system dedicated to in-line, real-time analysis of wear metal particles in a lubricant used in a lubricating system that comprises a sample chamber, an X-ray source assembly, and an X-ray detector assembly. The sample chamber is substantially composed of a non-metallic material and has a cylindrical shape. The sample chamber is adapted for in-line connection to the lubrication system of the machine such that the sample chamber provides a passageway through which the lubricant flows. The sample chamber has an X-ray transparent window formed therein that allows the passage of X-rays so that the presence of wear metal particles can be detected in the lubricant. A high intensity, relatively small spot incident X-ray source assembly is configured to provide a source of X-rays directed toward the sample chamber such that said X-rays pass through the window in the sample chamber and contact the lubricant flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A high-speed parallel-to-serial CMOS data transmitter uses a D Flip-flop matrix architecture to combine a shift scheme with a selection scheme to serialize parallel bit data. Data is partially serialized through multi data paths at a much lower frequency and a time-division multiplex scheme selects one bit from each data path allowing for pipelined data processing. The CMOS architecture uses selective load clock mode switching allowing different word bit widths to be processed simply by adjusting the frequency of a loading clock.

Abstract: A method and test kit for deterining milk production in bovines is described. The acetyl coenzyme A synthetase (ACS) production is determined and related to milk production. The method is useful in selection and/or breeding to enhance milk production. Recombinant microganisms, plasmids and ACS is also described.

Abstract: The maize gene dull1 (du1) of the present invention is a determinant of the structure of endosperm starch. Mutations of du1 affect the activity of at least two enzymes involved in starch biosynthesis, namely the starch synthase, SSII, and the starch branching enzyme, SBEIIa. Du1 codes for a predicted 1674 residue protein, and is expressed with a unique temporal pattern in endosperm but is undetectable in leaf or root. The size of the Du1 product and its expression pattern match precisely the known characteristics of maize SSII. The Du1 product contains two different repeated regions in its unique amino terminus, one of which is identical to a conserved segment of the starch debranching enzymes. The cDNA provided for in the present invention encodes SSII, and mutations within this gene affect multiple aspects of starch biogenesis by disrupting an enzyme complex containing starch synthase(s), starch branching enzyme(s), and possibly starch debranching enzyme(s).

Abstract: This invention relates in general to alkaline phosphatase and, in particular, to alkaline phosphatase from a hyperthermophilic microorganism. The invention also relates to a method of purifying a hyperthermophilic alkaline phosphatase.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an isoflavone from a 2'-hydroxydeoxybenzoin(I) is described. The process uses prepared N,N'-dimethyl(chloromethylene) ammonium chloride as a reactant with (I) in borontrifluoride etherate or other Lewis acid as a solvent. The isoflavones are known biologically active compounds.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor for detecting the presence of a magnetic sample proximate a sensing region. A magnetoresistive element is positioned in a biasing region of the sensor which is spaced apart from the sensing region. A magnetic circuit provides a magnetic field to the sensing region and the biasing region. The magnetic field biases the magnetoresistive element positioned in the biasing region. A circuit detects changes in the magnetic field in the biasing region as a function of changes in the resistance of the magnetoresistive element whereby changes in the magnetic field caused by the presence of a magnetic sample proximate the sensing region are detected.

Abstract: An isolated substantially pure pseudomonas culture, exemplified by pseudomonas syringae MSU 16H (ATCC No. 67028), produces the substantially pure peptide pseudomycin which has broad spectrum anti-fungal characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of producing hybrid seeds, and specifically relates to the application of certain cloned nuclear fertility restorer genes, which restore male fertility to cytoplasmic male-sterile plants. In particular, the present invention relates to an enriched or substantially isolated nucleic acid sequence comprising a nucleotide sequence that hybridizes at least under moderately stringent conditions to SEQ ID NOS: 1, 3 or 4 and restores male fertility to a cytoplasmic male-sterile plant; a vector comprising such a sequence; an organism, virus, seed, plant cell, and plant comprising such a vector; methods for the production of hybrid seed; a method of producing a variant of a cytoplasmic male-sterile plant, and a method of suppressing cytoplasmic male sterility, all of which make use of the aforementioned nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: The present invention features a method of noise reduction in both packaging structures and circuit boards, as well as articles of manufacture that result from this method. Both the method and the articles weaken and effectively reduce undesirable noise signals that propagate as waves to and from the perimeter of circuit boards. The method of the invention adds absorbent materials in various structural configurations to strategic areas about the exterior and interior of the circuit boards. In order to absorb noise signals, these added materials are placed around lines and vias of the circuit boards, as well as at their ends and perimeters. Non-absorbent materials must contiguously surround the lines and vias; otherwise, absorbent material will absorb desired signals, as well as noise. The method of this invention tries to match the dielectric constant of the added, absorbent materials with the dielectric constant of the non-absorbent, dielectric materials found on the circuit board.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 -R.sub.7, W, X, Y, and Z have any of the values defined in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, that are are useful as anticancer agents. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more compounds of formula I, processes for preparing compounds of formula I, and intermediates useful for preparing compounds of formula I.

Abstract: Water-soluble quaternary ammonium cellulosic derivatives of controlled charge density are disclosed. These derivatives are useful in cosmetic preparations, such as hair and skin formulations, for example hair conditioners. These quaternized cellulosic derivatives are useful as thickeners, conditioners, film formers, fixatives, emulsifiers, or additives in hair or skin formulations to improve combing, manageability, body, curl retention, moisture resistance, and binding of ingredients to keratin. Compared to existing agents, these compounds have improved temperature stability, improved interactions with surfactants (such as in shampoos), improved binding to keratin, improved mechanical properties, and can mend split ends on hair. A major advantage of these compounds is that they may be applied to hair directly from an aqueous solution, and do not require a volatile organic compound solvent as carrier.

Abstract: DNA encoding glycoproteins gD, gI and gE from Marek's disease herpesvirus is described The DNA is useful for probes to detect the DNA in the herpesvirus, for expression to produce the glycoproteins that can be used for producing the antibodies which specifically recognize the three glycoprotein antigens, and in the case of the latter two genes for potential insertion sites for foreign genes and as possible sites for gene inactivation to attenuate MDV field isolates for vaccine purposes.

Abstract: Ferroelectric PbZr.sub.x T.sub.1-x O.sub.3 (PZT) thin films are deposited on Pt coated Si substrates by using RF magnetron sputtering. A method for obtaining desirable stoichiometric PZT, the desired ferroelectric perovskite phase, and better dielectric properties using a PZT target with Pb/(Zr+Ti) ratio of 1.2 and depositing at 350.degree. C., followed by thermal treatment at 620.degree. C. for 30 min is disclosed. The structural and electrical properties of the PZT layer were further improved by a method of fabricating a novel multi-layer structure which combined the PZT thin film with nanolayers of BaTiO.sub.3. The method and device of the present invention provided reduced leakage current density while maintaining high relative effective dielectric constants.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for determining at least one of a plurality of particle physical characteristics. The particle physical characteristics include particle size, shape, magnetic susceptibility, magnetic label density, charge separation, dielectric constant, and derivatives thereof. The method includes generating a region of space having a substantially constant force field, determining the velocity of at least one particle within the region by identifying and locating the particle and its coordinates in at least two temporally defined digital images, and determining the particle physical characteristics from the determined velocity and a predetermined force field magnitude and direction.

Abstract: A salicylic acid-induced protein (SIP) kinase is disclosed. The kinase has a molecular weight of about 48 kDa and is activated in response to salicylic acid, H.sub.2 O.sub.2 and infection with tobacco mosaic virus. The activation and enzymatic properties of the purified protein have been characterized. The partial amino acid sequence and complete nucleotide sequence of a cDNA encoding the SIP kinase demonstrate that it is a unique member of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase family. The novel SIP kinase may play a critical role in signal transduction for activation of plant defenses against microbial pathogens.

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel method for preventing acute lung injury in a mammal following trauma. The method includes treating the mammal with an effective amount of a tetracycline prior to intrapulmonary accumulation of neutrophils.

Abstract: This invention provides processes for preparing cryptophycin compounds and novel intermediates which are useful in such processes.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for producing doxorubicin using daunomycin as a substrate. One method employs a genetically engineered host microorganism which is transformed with a vector, preferably a plasmid, which contains the doxA gene. Preferably, the doxA gene, also referred to herein as "doxA", is cloned into a plasmid which is then introduced into the host microorganism, preferably a bacterial host, more preferably Streptomyces, to provide a transformed host microorganism. The doxA gene, when present on a plasmid, confers on the transformed host the ability to convert daunomycin and 13-dihydrodaunomycin, to doxorubicin. The doxA gene encodes a P450-like enzyme which catalyzes the hydroxylation of daunomycin and 13-dihydrodaunomycin at C-14 to form doxorubicin; such enzyme is designated "daunomycin C-14 hydroxylase". Thus, the expression of doxA in the transformed host using a plasmid which contains doxA enables the transformed host to convert daunomycin to doxorubicin.

Abstract: A Pressure Cell for pressurizing material for use in NMR spectroscopy, comprising a sample tube made of sapphire for placing the material; the tube being closed at one end, a housing for holding the sample tube such that the material in the tube can be pressurized, a cover for closing the housing, the cover having an inlet for pressuring the material, means of sealing the cover to the housing; and means of sealing the housing to the sample tube.