Abstract: An improved reinforcing fiber for concrete is formed with two types of anchors positioned adjacent to each axial end of the fiber. A drag anchor which frictionally resist being pulled from the concrete without fiber breakage and a dead anchor between the drag anchor and adjacent axial end of the fiber, the dead end engages the concrete to develop stresses at a weakened point in the fiber formed between the drag anchor and its adjacent dead anchor to break the fiber or deform the dead anchor before maximum tensile strength of the fiber is reached so that the dead anchor functions to maximize the load carrying capacity while at the same time protecting against fiber rupture and the drag anchor continues to function after release of the weak point of the fiber.

Abstract: A method and system for delivering pressurized propellants to a rocket engine, that has significant advantages over the current state-of-the-art. One of the propellants, the "pressurizing propellant", is at least partially vaporized and the vapor is in pressure communicating relationship with other propellants on board the rocket-propelled vehicle. This vapor pressure pressurizes the propellants to a sufficient degree that they can be charged directly to the rocket engine, or the pressure may be boosted through pumps, if required. Moreover, the pressurized vapor may be used in other applications on board the vehicle, such as orbital adjustment, attitude control, station keeping, and the like. In several embodiments, the propellants are contained in variable volume reservoirs, exemplified by bladders and diaphragms. These variable volume reservoirs are preferably not subjected to tensile stresses when expanded, and are preferably designed for controlled volume reduction, when being drained of propellant.

Abstract: Fusion proteins or conjugates are provided containing an amino acid sequence having a substrate binding region of a polysaccharidase such as cellulase that binds to a .beta.-1,4-glycan matrix such as cellulose. The substrate binding region is essentially without polysaccharidase activity. In the fusion protein, the substrate binding region is fused or chemically linked to a polypeptide such as an enzyme, a hormone, an immunoglobulin or a protein dye. By contacting the fusion protein with a .beta.-1,4-glycan matrix, the substrate binding region binds to the matrix to immobilize the polypeptide on the matrix. The polypeptide or fusion protein can be removed from the matrix with a protease acting on a protease recognition sequence or with a solution having a low ionic strength or high pH. In the conjugate, the substrate binding region is joined such as by covalent bonding to a non-protein chemical moiety such as a dye, chromophore, fluorescor, radionuclide or enzyme co-factor.

Abstract: A variably reflective display device amenable to multiple pixel display applications. Each pixel has at least one element having a reflective state in which incident light undergoes total internal reflection, and having a non-reflective state in which total internal reflection is prevented. Such prevention is achieved by interfering with (scattering and/or absorbing) the evanescent wave adjacent the surface of the element. For example, a member can be positioned adjacent the element and deformed between first and second positions. In the first position a gap remains between the member and the element to allow the evanescent wave to behave normally. In the second position the member is in optical (but not atomic) contact with the element, such that the member interferes with the evanescent wave and thereby prevents total internal reflection. In one embodiment, each pixel is a grouping of retro-reflective elements, such as corner reflectors. An elastomeric material is provided adjacent each grouping.

Abstract: Herbs are dried by applying microwave power to herbs in a chamber under reduced or negative pressure to reduce the moisture content of the herbs without significantly damaging the flavor of the dried herbs and produce a dried herb having a flavor more closely approaching the flavor of fresh herbs than dried herbs produced by conventional processes.

Abstract: Oligosaccharides are prepared using glycosyl transferase and activated glycosyl derivatives as donor sugars without the use of sugar nucleotides as donor sugars. A reaction mixture composition containing an activated glycoside derivative such as glycosyl fluoride or glycosyl mesylate, an acceptor substrate such as lactose or other oligosaccharide, a glycosyl transferase and a catalytic amount of a nucleotide phosphate or nucleotide phosphate analog is reacted to produce a glycosylated acceptor. In addition to an oligosaccharide, the acceptor substrate may be a monosaccharide, a fluorescent-labeled saccharide or a saccharide derivative such as an aminoglycoside antibiotic. The glycosyl transferase may be immobilized by removing its membrane-binding domain and attaching in its place a cellulose-binding domain. In a preferred embodiment, galactosyl transferase is the glycosyl transferase, .alpha.-D-galactosyl fluoride is the activated glycoside derivative and lactose is the acceptor substrate.

Abstract: New compounds useful in photodynamic therapy are of the formula ##STR1## and their 1,4-diene isomers and the metallated and/or labeled and/or conjugated forms thereofwherein each R.sup.1 is independently alkyl (1-6C);each n is independently an integer of 0-6; andR.sup.2 is vinyl or a derivative form thereof.

Abstract: Fusion proteins or conjugates are provided containing an amino acid sequence having a substrate binding region of a polysaccharidase such as cellulase that binds to a .beta.-1,4-glycan matrix such as cellulose. The substrate binding region is essentially without polysaccharidase activity. In the fusion protein, the substrate binding region is fused or chemically linked to a polypeptide such as an enzyme, a hormone, an immunoglobulin or a protein dye. By contacting the fusion protein with a .beta.-1,4-glycan matrix, the substrate binding region binds to the matrix to immobilize the polypeptide on the matrix. The polypeptide or fusion protein can be removed from the matrix with a protease recognition sequence or with a solution having a low ionic strength or high pH. In the conjugate, the substrate binding region is joined such as by covalent bonding to a non-protein chemical moiety such as a dye, chromophore, fluorescor, radionuclide or enzyme co-factor. By contacting the conjugate with a .beta.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel method of preserving fresh cut fruit for a prolonged period of time. More particularly, this invention is directed to a novel method of preparing and preserving fresh, vitaminized flavored or unflavored cut apple pieces to be stored in containers for extended periods of time of up to 6 weeks at refrigerated temperatures with the retention of acceptable naturally-occurring and adjunctive flavors, crisp texture and original whiteness or yellowness, being free of enzymatic browning.

Abstract: A light guide light extraction mechanism can be formed in a predetermined maximum length to yield a predetermined light emission characteristic. Any shorter length segment removed from a predetermined end of the extraction mechanism and installed in a light guide of that shorter length causes the shorter length light guide to exhibit substantially uniform surface brightness. This obviates the need for cumbersome trial and error development of a different light extraction mechanism for each such shorter light guide.

Abstract: There are provided vanadium compositions for use in the treatment of hypertension, obesity and diabetes, in particular improved oral compositions comprising oxovanadium (IV) chelates of monoprotic, bidentate oxygen, oxygen and oxygen, nitrogen coordinating ligands especially kojic acid, maltol and ethyl maltol.

Abstract: Aminocyclohexylester compounds, including thioesters, are disclosed. The compounds of the present invention may be incorporated in compositions and kits. The present invention also discloses a variety of in vitro and in vivo uses for the compounds and compositions, including the blockade of ion channels and the treatment of arrhythmias.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for assaying protein-protein interactions. Amino acid sequences of interest are inserted into `bait` and `prey` fusion proteins. The bait fusion proteins include a DNA-binding domain. The prey fusion proteins include a transcriptional repression domain. The interaction of the bait and prey fusion proteins is detected by the repression of reporter genes. The reporter genes have operator sequences to which the DNA-binding domain of the bait fusion protein can bind. The reporter genes are expressed unless the prey fusion protein interacts with a bait fusion protein at the operator region of the reporter gene. When a prey fusion protein binds to a bait fusion protein, the expression of the reporter gene is repressed. Compounds that interfere with the interaction of bait and prey fusion proteins may be detected by their ability to reverse the repression of the reporter genes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fusogenic liposome comprising a lipid capable of adopting a non-lamellar phase, yet capable of assuming a bilayer structure in the presence of a bilayer stabilizing component; and a bilayer stabilizing component reversibly associated with the lipid to stabilize the lipid in a bilayer structure. Such fusogenic liposomes are extremely advantageous because the rate at which they become fusogenic can be not only predetermined, but varied as required over a time scale ranging from minutes to days. Control of liposome fusion can be achieved by modulating the chemical stability and/or exchangeability of the bilayer stabilizing component(s). The fusogenic liposomes of the present invention can be used to deliver drugs, peptide, proteins, RNA, DNA or other bioactive molecules to the target cells of interest.

Abstract: New compounds expanding the repertoire of compounds useful in photodynamic therapy are described. Monohydrobenzoporphyrins can be obtained in the triacid form or as esters with heteroatom-substituted alcohols, or as amides.

Abstract: A method and kit for detecting toxins and pollutants is disclosed. The kit includes a transgenic organism having a stress-inducible control region linked to a gene encoding a detectable protein wherein said control region regulates the expression of said detectable protein; exposing said organism to said sample; and determining the amount of detectable protein produced. Exposure of this organism to a toxin or pollutant induces the production of the detectable protein which can be easily measured. This invention provides a rapid and reliable system for testing samples for the presence of toxins or pollutants.

Abstract: A novel class of cationic peptides having antimicrobial activity is provided. Examples of such peptides include NH.sub.2 -KWKSFIKKLTTAVKKVLTTGLPALIS-COOH (SEQ ID NO:1) and NH.sub.2 -KWKSFIKKLTSAAKKVVTTAKPLISS-COOH (SEQ ID NO:2).

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for in vitro expansion of growth factor dependent cells. Expansion is effected through the use of growth factor conjugates that include a growth factor such as a steel factor and a polysaccharidase substrate binding region. The conjugates are immobilized by binding of the substrate binding region to a substrate of the polysaccharidase in a growth chamber for the cells.

Abstract: There are provided vanadium compositions for use in the treatment of hypertension, obesity and diabetes, in particular improved oral compositions comprising oxovanadium (IV) chelates of monoprotic, bidentate oxygen, oxygen and oxygen, nitrogen coordinating ligands especially kojic acid, maltol and ethyl maltol.

Abstract: A new and distinct Lonicera hybrid (Honeysuckle) plant is provided that forms attractive, extremely large tubular-shaped flowers. Such flowers are a dark reddish-orange on the outside and a paler reddish-orange on the inside. The foliage coloration contrasts nicely with the flower coloration and initially is brownish and with maturity becomes glossy deep green. The growth habit is vigorous thereby making possible the formation of a unique colorful screening vine within a relatively short period of time. The new cultivar grows particularly well on a trellis or fence.