Abstract: A transducer is used to send an ultrasound pulse toward a stone and to receive ultrasound reflections from the stone. The recorded time between a pulse that is reflected from the proximal surface and a pulse that is reflected either from the distal surface of the stone or from a surface supporting the stone is used to calculate the stone size. The size of the stone is a function of the time between the two pulses and the speed of sound through the stone (or through the surrounding fluid if the second pulse was reflected by the surface supporting the stone). This technique is equally applicable to measure the size of other in vivo objects, including soft tissue masses, cysts, uterine fibroids, tumors, and polyps.

Abstract: Caulobacter optimized for use in expression of heterologous peptides as part of a hybrid Caulobacter S-layer protein are provided as well as methods for producing such Caulobacter. Caulobacter of this invention are deficient in a native Caulobacter protease that cleaves hybrid S-layer proteins. Also provided are Caulobacter libraries and methods for sorting such libraries using cell sorting technology such as FACS.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel process for directly producing N-acetyl-D-glucosamine from chitin. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel process for producing N-acetyl-D-glucosamine utilizing an ensemble of the chitinase family of enzymes to hydrolyze chitin of crustacea shells. The invention includes a process for producing N-acetyl-D-glucosamine by enzymatically hydrolyzing chitin with an ensemble of chitinolytic enzymes, including chitinase and chitobiase. In particular, using a two-stage chitin-hydrolysis reactor.

Abstract: A vacuum microwave dehydration process for drying fresh mango and pineapple fruit pieces at low temperatures which results in a product with a "fresh", uncooked flavor and a unique crunchy texture with little or no shrinkage which can not be achieved through conventional air drying.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the synthesis of dimer alkaloid compounds, particularly those of the Catharantus (Vinca) family, from an indole unit, such as cantharanthine, and a dihydroindole unit, such as vindoline. A multi-step process is disclosed including the steps of (1) of 1,4-reduction of a first dimeric iminium intermediate to an enamine compound by reaction with a 1,4-dihydropyridine compound; (2) oxidative transformation of the resulting enamine to a second iminium intermediate under controlled aeration; (3) reduction of the second iminium intermediate to form the target dimer alkaloid compounds. The entire process can be conducted in a one-pot operation to obtain the target compounds without isolation of the intermediates.