Abstract: The present invention is a novel electronic technique that detects stress/strain in any conductive or semiconductive material. The technique is based on passing a current through the material of interest and analyzing the low frequency voltage fluctuation. The voltage fluctuation is very sensitive to the amount of stress present in the sample. The voltage fluctuation is a result of interactions between the imposed current and material itself. The technique is many orders of magnitude more sensitive than any present method. The technique is suitable for sensitive measurements without a strain gauge. The technique is not limited by sample size, and provides a simple, fast, nondestructive and on-site evaluation of stress/strain in a material.

Abstract: A compound of formula IV ##STR1## wherein G is C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.12 alkenyl, C.sub.2 -C.sub.12 alkynyl or Ar;Ar is an aromatic or heteroaromatic group or a substituted aromatic or heteroaromatic group;R.sup.1 is halo, SR, OR, amino, mono or di-(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl)amino, tri (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl)ammonium, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkylthio, di(C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl)sulfonium, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkylsulfonyl, or C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkylphosphonyl;R.sup.2 is OH or SH; orR.sup.1 and R.sup.2 taken together form a second bond or together form an epoxide, aziridine, episulfide, or cyclopropyl ring;R is H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkanoyl or Ar;R.sup.3 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl;R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 are H; orR.sup.4 and R.sup.5 taken together form a second bond;R.sup.24 is a leaving group; andR.sup.26 is an alcohol protecting group;X is O, NH or (C1-C3 alkyl)N--.

Abstract: A method of machining metal-matrix composite materials using electrochemical machining is provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing a metal matrix composite material in an electrochemical machine, and electrochemically machining the metal-matrix composite material in a nitrate or chloride containing electrolyte at a current density of equal to or greater than approximately 1 A/cm.sup.2. Preferably the metal-matrix composite is comprised of an aluminum alloy or pure Al matrix with ceramic particles, such as silicon carbide.

Abstract: An amphibian egg extract is added to a cell-free translation system to obtain in vitro translocation and processing of newly synthesized peptide. The egg extract produces near complete signal sequence and N-linked carbohydrate processing of protein. Egg extract microsomes provide for protein translocation.

Abstract: This invention provides processes for preparing lactone intermediates useful for the preparation of pharmaceutical compounds such as tetrahydrolipstatin and cryptophycin compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the production of transgenic pineapple-like totipotent bodies, and in particular, transgenic pineapple-like callus and transgenic pineapple-like protocorm-like bodies. Also provided by this invention are methods for the production of transgenic plants from transgenic totipotent bodies which include transgenic pineapple-like callus and protocorm-like bodies. The invention additionally provides transgenic pineapple-like plants which may be genetically engineered to exhibit resistance to pests and disease and to exhibit improved qualities. The invention further provides improved methods for the maintenance of pineapple-like protocorm-like bodies in culture. These improved methods are useful for reducing the time, cost, and labor involved in selecting stably transformed pineapple-like protocorm-like bodies.

Abstract: The present invention is a blood smearing cassette that quickly, efficiently and reliably prepares peripheral blood smears. The cassette holds two glass slides, a spreader slide and a smear slide, at specific angles to each other. The blood smearing cassette allows untrained personnel to make consistent and proper blood smears. The user slips a smear slide into the smear slide receiver, and a spreader slide into the spreader slide receiver. A small amount of blood is placed on the smear slide, which is then pulled up to the spreader slide until the drop of blood is in contact with the spreader slide. The blood is allowed to spread across the bottom of the spreader slide. The smear slide is then pulled back out of the cassette, leaving a thin film of blood on the smear slide. The length and thickness of the film are controlled by varying the speed at which the smear slide is pulled and varying angles between the two slides.

Abstract: Purified proteins, DNA sequences that code on expression therefore and recombinant DNA molecules, including hosts transformed therewith, for transforming coffee plants to suppress the expression of caffeine. The DNA sequences and recombinant DNA molecules are characterized in that they code on expression for an enzyme in the pathway for caffeine synthesis in coffee. Coffee plants transformed with DNA molecules that code on transcription for mRNA that is antisense to mRNA that codes on expression for at least one enzyme in the pathway for caffeine biosynthesis.

Abstract: A method for storing and releasing hydrogen fuel includes providing a hydrogenated material in a chamber, introducing a catalyst into the chamber, heating the chamber to about 190.degree. C., separating at least part of the material into dehydrogenated material and hydrogen and releasing the hydrogen from the chamber. A preferred catalyst is a transition metal complex, such as the iridium based complex IrH.sub.4 {2,6C.sub.6 H.sub.3 (CH.sub.2 P(C(CH.sub.3).sub.3).sub.2).sub.2 }. To reverse the process, a hydrogen pressure of about 10 atmospheres or more is provided, and the dehydrogenated material and hydrogen are combined at about or at least 100.degree. C. to regenerate the hydrogenated material. The small, lightweight system for carrying out the present method includes a chamber containing hydrogenated material and a catalyst, and having an outlet with a selectively permeable membrane for releasing hydrogen and containing hydrogenated material and a homogenous catalyst.

Abstract: Recombinant materials for the production of practical amounts of the sweet protein, mabinlin are provided. In addition, transgenic plants which have inherently sweetened edible parts result from modifying native plants containing edible parts to express the mabinlin gene. Single-chain forms of this protein which retain their sweetening property are also provided.

Abstract: Novel processes and intermediates useful in the preparation of Cryptophycin compounds are disclosed.

Abstract: A cryptophycin compound is provided having the structure: ##STR1## Further provided are methods of producing cryptophycins by total synthesis and methods of using cryptophycins in pharmaceuticals. It is a further object of this invention to use cryptophycins to inhibit the proliferation of mammalian cells. Moreover, methods of using cryptophycins to treat neoplasia is also provided.

Abstract: A method for inspecting masks used in x-ray lithography is described. An x-ray lithography mask is placed over a glass surface, followed by exposure of the mask and glass surface to soft x-rays. Portions of the mask absorb the soft x-rays while other portions of the mask, corresponding to circuit elements, allow the soft x-rays to strike the glass surface. The soft x-rays striking the glass surface cause the glass surface to darken, thereby forming an image of the circuit pattern in the glass surface corresponding to the stenciled circuit in the mask. An inspection of the image can reveal any defects in the x-ray lithography mask.

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

Abstract: A cryptophycin compound is provided having the structure: ##STR1## Further provided are methods for producing novel cryptophycins from the Nostoc sp. of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). Pharmaceutical compositions comprising novel cryptophycins are also provided, as are methods for using cryptophycins to inhibit the proliferation of hyperproliferative cells. Further provided are methods for using cryptophycins to inhibit the proliferation of hyperproliferative cells with drug resistant phenotypes, and to treat pathological conditions, such as neoplasia.

Abstract: A cryptophycin compound is provided having the structure: ##STR1## Further provided are methods for producing novel cryptophycins from the Nostoc sp. of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). Pharmaceutical compositions comprising novel cryptophycins are also provided, as are methods for using cryptophycins to inhibit the proliferation of hyperproliferative cells. Further provided are methods for using cryptophycins to inhibit the proliferation of hyperproliferative cells with drug resistant phenotypes, and to treat pathological conditions, such as neoplasia.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel cryptophycin compounds having the following structure: ##STR1## The present invention also provides methods for producing cryptophycins from the Nostoc sp. of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). Pharmaceutical compositions comprising novel cryptophycins are also provided by the present invention, as are methods for using cryptophycins to inhibit the proliferation of hyperproliferative cells. The present invention further provides methods for using cryptophycins to inhibit the proliferation of hyperproliferative cells with drug resistant phenotypes, and to treat pathological conditions, such as neoplasia.

Abstract: A radiation-damage resistant radiation detector is formed on a substrate formed of a material doped with a first conductivity type dopant. The detector includes at least one first electrode formed of first conductivity type dopant, and at least one second electrode that is spaced-apart from the first electrode and formed of a second conductivity type dopant. Each first and second electrode penetrates into the substrate from a substrate surface, and one or more electrodes may penetrate entirely through the substrate, that is traversing from one surface to the other surface. Particulate and/or electromagnetic radiation penetrating at least a surface of the substrate releases electrons and holes in substrate regions. Because the electrodes may be formed entirely through the substrate thickness, the released charges will be a relatively small distance from at least a portion of such an electrode, e.g., a distance less than the substrate thickness.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preventing or treating malaria comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of serotonin receptor ligand to reduce the pathological consequences of malaria infection in a patient, said serotonin receptor ligand characterized by an ability to displace an identifying ligand which defines the serotonin receptor subtype 5HT1a or 5HT2/5HT1c.In addition, the invention provides a method of identifying a serotonin receptor ligand capable of reducing the pathological consequences of malarial infection in a patient comprising the step of sequentially assaying potential ligands to identify a ligand characterized by an ability to displace an identifying ligand which defines the serotonin receptor subtype 5HT1a or 5HT2/5HT1c.

Abstract: The invention provides purified proteins, DNA sequences that code on expression therefore and recombinant DNA molecules, including hosts transformed therewith for transforming coffee plants to suppress the expression of enzymes necessary for ethylene synthesis. The DNA sequences and recombinant DNA molecules are characerized in that they code on expression for the enzymes ACC synthase or ACC oxidase that are elements of the pathway for ethylene biosynthesis in coffee plants. Coffee plants are transformed with vectors containing ACC synthase and/or with ACC oxidase DNA sequences that code on expression for the respective mRNA that is antisense to the mRNA for ACC synthase and/or ACC oxidase. The resulting antisense mRNA binds to the respective ACC synthase and/or ACC oxidase mRNA, thereby inactivating the mRNA encoding one or more enzymes in the pathway for ethylene synthesis. The described DNA sequences can also be used to block synthesis of ACC synthase or ACC oxidase using co-suppression.